Why Tom Cruise’s Latest Blockbuster Dark Universe ‘ The Mummy ’ Underwhelms
The ratings are in on Tom Cruise’s new movie and it looks not to be the big summer blockbuster Universal was hoping for. Universal is off to a shaky start with its first movie in the Dark Universe, Tom Cruises’ The Mummy franchise. No, Cruise doesn’t direct the movie but he’s the clear star of it and it’s all about him, more than the mummy theme. For those of you wondering if this movie ties in with any of the previous Brendan Fraser ones, well it doesn’t. As mentioned this film is part of the new Dark Universe monster franchise. If you’re looking for a comparison when it comes to quality, it is fairly similar to the former Mummy movies, but with a whole lot of added Cruise.
THE GOOD:
A lack of star big names isn’t an issue with this film. Aside from Cruise, Russell Crowe stars as Dr. Henry Jekyll. Annabelle Wallis plays Cruise love interest and archeologist/explorer Jenny Halsey. Jake Johnson plays their sidekick Chris Vail. Wallis is an interesting choice here, as she’s the lesser known name, but holds her own alongside Cruise. The action is non-stop. There is some neat use of CGI that brings the mummies to life. The mummy caves look intimidating and mysterious, it’s also the setting where most of the movie takes place in. Additionally, there is an airplane scene that really pops. Some of the sequences are over-the-top, but that’s to be expected in a movie like this. Towards the end of the movie there is an interesting twist and tease of a character. This is done to set-up the following Mummy movie and potentially give a head start to the Dark Universe and preview of what can be expected.
THE BAD:
If you expected a charming, adventurous and witty Cruise character, you get it. The problem is that there is just too much Cruise. You get that he’s the main star and is naturally highlighted in his films but it feels more about Cruise and his character Nick Morton much more than about the story and origins of the mummy. That aspect is secondary. The plot itself isn’t all too interesting either. They discover a mummy tomb of an ancient princess that unleashes her evil terror soon as the overly curious Morton opens up Pandora’s box, in this case the tomb. There is a decent origin story set-up but soon as the evil princess Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella) is released the plot jumps straight into action without serving much of an end purpose aside from pointless destruction of humans and attempting to convert Morton into a god that will work alongside her. The 3D is supposedly not that exceptional either.
THE VERDICT:
Overall, ‘The Mummy’ reviews are just ‘meh’ and getting a shoulder shrug for a reaction. It’s not bad, but it’s not great either. For a big popcorn summer flick, it’s fairly underwhelming. There was a lot more potential this movie could have lived up to, but it meanders on the basic formulaic action. The beginning of the film is reminiscent of the introduction of Apocalypse in the last X-Men movie, which was a good thing but it quickly dissolves into mindless action. The movie is fun and entertaining at times but it doesn’t last long enough to warrant any serious attention. Movie reviewers were wishing they could say that the Dark Universe was off to a bright start, but instead it’s looks still trapped in the dark ages.
Well, It’s A Tom Cruise Movie So Generally Speaking It Will Always Be Centered Around Him
Susan Z’s Conclusion:
As an avid fan of mummy movies and loved the Brandon Fraser franchise, I have to say that even watching the movie trailers, I was asking myself why all the destruction and what was she really here to get which fairly supports the movie reviews. But it is an action-packed movie and it will do well but not what Universal is hoping for. Possibly the next movie in the Dark Universe franchise will hit the mark better.
The Devil: Inverted (Upside Down)
This card is one of fear and negative outlook. Since inverted I believe the card represents the movie was supposed to have been made as a horror movie but just ended up being another Cruise action packed thriller.
Six of Pentacles: Inverted
This card is sharing of love and gifts. Since the card is inverted, I feel the diehard horror mummy and Tom Cruise fans will help the movie be a reasonable success.
Nine of Pentacles:
This card is enjoying success of labor. As I mentioned above, the movie has the right formula and TOM CRUISE so in no way will the movie be labeled as a failure.
Susan Z Rich is an emotional addiction counselor, spiritual intuitive and holistic therapist. She counsels others to see life in a more positive way and teaches personal accountability for life choices. She is also the author of several children’s books and Soul Windows…Secrets From The Divine.