Roger Ebert’s “Good Trash” Adventure Classic Revived on Streaming Platforms
Following its original release in 1999, “The Mummy” has experienced a remarkable resurgence on streaming platforms, gaining a diverse fan base that appreciates its adventurous spirit. The film, an action-adventure reimagining of a classic Universal monster tale, is currently making waves on Hulu, ranking third among its most popular films, ahead of notable titles like “Black Panther” and “The Help.”
The Success of “The Mummy”
“The Mummy” was directed by Stephen Sommers and stars Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell, a treasure hunter in Cairo. He, along with the Carnahan siblings, unintentionally awakens Imhotep, an ancient priest. The narrative evolves into a thrilling battle against this nefarious entity aiming to unleash chaos.
- Release Date: April 16, 1999
- Runtime: 124 minutes
- Director: Stephen Sommers
- Lead Actor: Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell
- Box Office Gross: Over $422 million
The film not only revitalized the adventure genre in the late 1990s but also paved the way for a franchise, despite mixed critical reviews. Currently, it has a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showing a divided response from critics.
Roger Ebert’s Perspective
Renowned film critic Roger Ebert acknowledged the film’s unique appeal. He referred to it as “Good trash,” emphasizing its entertaining nature while recognizing its over-the-top elements. His review highlighted that the film balances fun and thrills effectively, encapsulating the lightheartedness that characterized many adventure films of its time.
The Franchise Legacy
Following “The Mummy,” a sequel titled “The Mummy Returns” was released in 2001, featuring much of the original cast and grossing $435 million. Despite its success, the sequel faced criticism for its CGI. Fraser reprised his role in “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” in 2008, which also performed well at the box office. However, it ultimately marked a decline in the franchise’s popularity.
Recent attempts to reboot the series, including a 2017 film starring Tom Cruise, failed to capture the audience’s interest and resulted in a scrapped Dark Universe plan. Meanwhile, plans for a new interpretation of “The Mummy” are underway, with filmmaker Lee Cronin attached to a 2026 horror adaptation.
Future Developments
Exciting news surfaced last November, revealing plans for a new installment featuring Fraser and Rachel Weisz reprising their roles. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the film has garnered anticipation, though updates on production remain scarce.
As “The Mummy” continues to enchant audiences through streaming services, its nostalgia and action-packed narrative ensure its legacy endures in the adventure genre.
