The 2017 reboot of The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise, arguably the worst in the franchise, is now experiencing an unexpected resurgence on Netflix US.
It currently holds the fourth spot in the Netflix US top ten films chart. This might have something to do with Cruise fans riding on the wave of his 2023 release, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
The Mummy was directed by Alex Kurtzman, who co-wrote the script with Chris Morgan. In addition to Cruise, the movie featured Sofia Boutella as Princess Ahmanet, Annabelle Wallis as Jenny Halsey, and Russell Crowe as Dr Henry Jekyll.
It may not have lived up to the iconic status of its predecessor, but it’s finding new life on the streaming platform nonetheless.
So what is The Mummy about?
The story follows Nick Morton, a soldier of fortune who stumbles upon an ancient tomb in Iraq. There, he unwittingly awakens the vengeful Princess Ahmanet, who seeks to use his body as a vessel for the dark god Set. Together with archaeologist Jenny Halsey and Dr Henry Jekyll, Nick battles to stop Ahmanet’s world-ending rampage.
Upon its release, The Mummy faced an uphill battle. Critics panned it for its convoluted plot, character development, and uneven tone. Audiences were also divided, leading to a lacklustre box office performance. It wasn’t the franchise’s triumphant return that Universal Pictures had envisioned.
The original The Mummy is much better
The 1999 version of The Mummy, starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, is the perfect mythical action adventure flick. This film effortlessly blended adventure, comedy, and supernatural elements.
It was nearly impossible to replicate the charm of the original cast, but Universal tried anyway. While Tom Cruise is undoubtedly a Hollywood heavyweight, it was the combination of Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr, and Patricia Velasquez, among others, that made the original Mummy so iconic. Their chemistry and witty banter, paired with the film’s adventurous spirit, created a timeless classic that was not only endearing but also led to sexual awakenings in many viewers—casual and ardent alike.
Despite its initial poor reception, The Mummy (2017) is now experiencing a revival on Netflix. Viewers may be revisiting the film with fresh eyes, discovering hidden merits, or simply enjoying the action-packed entertainment it offers. While it may never replace the original, you can give it a try if you are a fan of adventure stories, no matter their quality.
