Plot

Following the success of the blockbuster Mummy movie franchise, Brendan Fraser reprises his role as adventurer Rick O’Connell in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Pitted against the revived Han Emperor (Jet Li) of ancient China, Rick O’Connell must stop his plan of world domination. This results in an action-packed film that takes place from ancient Chinese crypts to the frozen peaks of the Himalayas to the deserts of Asia Minor.

Teaming up with Rick in this all-new adventure is grownup son Alex (Luke Ford), wife Evelyn (Maria Bello) and her brother, Jonathan (John Hannah).

Cursed by a disloyal sorceress (Michelle Yeoh) to spend eternity entombed in clay, the ancient ruler and his massive army lay forgotten for centuries, until debonair adventurer Alex O’Connell accidentally revives the bloodthirsty monarch from his entrapment. Unable to put down this threat himself, he can only turn to those who are more experienced in dealing with the undead- his parents.

Acting
Like the previous two Mummy films in The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, Brendan Fraser hasn’t lost the spunk and the charisma that has given him recognition as an action hero. Having been propelled to fame with comedic acts in George of the Jungle and Bedazzled, the Mummy series continues to allow Fraser to prove his versatility in acting.

The entry of newcomer Luke Ford as the on-screen son of Maria Bello and Brendan Fraser felt very weird to because Ford looks too mature for his character’s age, while his on-screen parents look too young for their characters’ age. That aside, Ford’s confident portrayal of Alex O’Connell distinctly shows that he is more than able to hold is own weight along aside more experienced actors such as Fraser. UrbanWire would love to see him in star in his own spin off from the Mummy franchise.

As usual, from the previous two films, John Hannah adds to the comic relief of the film with his slapstick jokes and materialism for priceless treasure. Yet surprisingly, in Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Hannah’s character has mellowed down in humour and occasionally plays a mature uncle to Alex O’Connell.

Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh play their parts as supporting roles with aplomb. Having been well versed in Chinese martial arts roles, both of them are at home with their characters and portray them with ease.

Verdict
For a non-stop thrill ride, take a seat in this roller coaster of excitement, adventure and heart pounding action. For a time of family fun, your real mummy could also join you in this family friendly show.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Movie Details

Opens: 31 July 2008

Movie Rating: PG 13

Running Time: 112 mins

Language: English

Director: Rob Cohen

Cast: Brendan Fraser, Jet Li, Maria Bello, John Hannah, Michelle Yeoh, Luke Ford