‘The Mummy’ tells the story of Nick Morton (played by Tom Cruise), a soldier and treasure hunter who accidentally awakens an ancient Egyptian princess named Ahmanet (portrayed by Sofia Boutella). Ahmanet is determined to resurrect the god Set and unleash chaos upon the world. As Nick finds himself entangled in her malevolent plans, he must rely on the help of Dr. Henry Jekyll (Russell Crowe) and a mysterious organization known as Prodigium to save humanity.
On paper, ‘The Mummy’ seemed like a winning formula. It had a talented cast, a well-known director, and the potential to tap into the nostalgia of fans of the classic Universal monster movies. However, the film’s biggest downfall was its lack of a clear identity. It struggled to strike a balance between horror, action, and comedy, making it feel disjointed and unsure of what it wanted to be.
Tom Cruise’s character, Nick Morton, was also a problematic aspect of the film. Cruise is an accomplished actor known for his charisma and dedication to performing his own stunts. However, in ‘The Mummy,’ his character felt forced, and his performance seemed out of place in a monster movie. Instead of a compelling and relatable protagonist, Nick Morton came across as shallow and uninteresting.
Another glaring issue with ‘The Mummy’ was its weak script and storytelling. The plot was convoluted and often hard to follow, with scenes that seemed unnecessary or out of place. It relied heavily on exposition and failed to create a sense of cohesiveness or investment in the characters and their journey. The film seemed more interested in setting up future films in the Dark Universe than in telling a compelling story in its own right.
Despite its flaws, ‘The Mummy’ did have a few redeeming qualities. Sofia Boutella brought a sense of vulnerability and complexity to her portrayal of Ahmanet, making her character the most intriguing aspect of the film. Additionally, the film’s visual effects and set designs were impressive, capturing the grandeur and mystique of ancient Egypt.
Unfortunately, these few bright spots were not enough to save ‘The Mummy’ from being a critical and commercial disappointment. The film’s tepid reception ultimately led to the dissolution of Universal Pictures’ Dark Universe before it even had a chance to fully form.
In conclusion, ‘The Mummy’ of 2017 was a missed opportunity for Universal Pictures. Despite its potential, the film faltered due to an identity crisis, weak script, and an ill-fitting lead performance. While there were glimpses of promise, the film ultimately failed to leave a lasting impression and make a mark on the monster movie genre. Perhaps it serves as a cautionary tale for studios attempting to launch cinematic universes without a solid foundation and cohesive vision.