
The Mummy (1999)
Dashing legionnaire Rick O'Connell stumbles upon the hidden ruins of Hamunaptra while in the midst of a battle to claim the area in 1920s Egypt. It has been over three thousand years since former High Priest Imhotep suffered a fate worse than death as a punishment for a forbidden love—along with a curse that guarantees eternal doom upon the world if he is ever awoken.
Details
Budget
$80,000,000
Rating
7/10 (9245 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Alphaville Films
About The Mummy
Released in 1999, "The Mummy" combines elements of adventure, action, and fantasy. The story follows legionnaire Rick O'Connell who discovers the ancient ruins of Hamunaptra in 1920s Egypt. This discovery inadvertently leads to the reawakening of High Priest Imhotep, whose ancient curse threatens the world. The film has a runtime of 124 minutes.
The narrative incorporates themes common to adventure films, including treasure hunts and archaeological endeavors, set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt. The plot involves protagonists confronting an ancient evil, with keywords like "mummy," "book of the dead," and "ancient egypt" indicating the central conflict. The film also features a blend of playful and witty tones, often exploring the dynamic of "opposites attract" among its characters, while maintaining a clear "good versus evil" struggle.
Critically, the film received a 7.1 rating on IMDb and 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a Metacritic score of 48/100. Its audience reception, however, often points to its entertainment value. Many viewers highlight its success in blending multiple genres, from action and adventure to elements of comedy and horror, without losing its appeal.
The movie draws on various genre tropes, recalling earlier adventure films while attempting to forge its own identity. It leans into aspects of fantasy with its supernatural elements, such as a solar eclipse and a sandstorm, contributing to the sense of an epic confrontation.
Why you might be searching for The Mummy
People often search for this movie due to its memorable blend of action, adventure, comedy, and horror, particularly its portrayal of a mummy and ancient Egyptian mythology. The distinctive imagery, such as a man breathing smoke in the shape of a cobra, or a scene starting with banter in a library, also contributes to its searchability. The dynamic between the main characters, often described as an action-romance where they initially dislike each other before falling in love, is another common search query. Additionally, specific visuals like a woman in a golden Egyptian outfit flying, or a box being pulled by a chain, stand out as unique elements that prompt user searches.
What reviewers are saying
Despite attempting to combine action, adventure, fantasy, romance, comedy, and horror, this film succeeds in being genuinely enjoyable, especially for a Universal Monsters reboot.
Read the full reviewThe movie is less a straightforward horror film and more an action-adventure comedy, offering numerous humorous moments.
Read the full reviewThis remake effectively merges the monster movie genre with an Indiana Jones-like adventure, balancing fun and fright through its action-comedy-horror structure.
Read the full reviewViewers note that the film's appeal endures over time, citing its successful combination of action, adventure, and humor, along with its engaging lead performances and overall epic feel.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream The Mummy on Hulu and Netflix. It is also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Sling TV, Xfinity Stream, and YouTube. [hulu.com](https://www.hulu.com/movie/the-mummy-c5f8d591-5654-4520-bda2-d6a8cc730a39), [netflix.com](https://www.netflix.com/title/20559714), [allmovie.com](https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-mummy-am5637/streams)
No, the 1999 film The Mummy is not based on a true story. It is a fictional action-adventure movie that loosely remakes the 1932 film of the same name. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mummy_(1999_film))
In the climax, Rick and Jonathan find the Book of Amun-Ra, while Ardeth fights Imhotep's resurrected servants. Rick frees Evelyn, and Jonathan uses the book to control guards and kill a resurrected Anck-su-namun. Evelyn then uses the book to make Imhotep mortal, allowing Rick to fatally stab him, causing Imhotep to decompose. Meanwhile, Beni accidentally triggers a booby trap while stealing treasure, leading to his demise in the collapsing city, while Rick, Evelyn, and Jonathan escape with some of Beni's loot. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mummy_(1999_film))
The Mummy received mixed reviews from critics but is generally considered an enjoyable film. Rotten Tomatoes' consensus describes it as "undeniably fun to watch," while Roger Ebert noted he was "cheered by nearly every minute of it." Many critics praised it as a breezy crowd-pleaser and entertaining, despite some calling the plot overstuffed or forced. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_mummy), [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mummy_(1999_film))