The Mummy (2017): Tom Cruise's Monster Universe Start? Watch Now!

Have you ever wondered if some stories are best left undisturbed, sleeping in their ancient tombs? The cinematic resurrection of "The Mummy (2017)" proves that sometimes, even the biggest stars and grandest special effects can't breathe life into a truly cursed narrative.

Released on June 9th, 2017, "The Mummy" attempted to reignite the classic monster franchise with a modern twist, spearheaded by Tom Cruise and featuring a stellar cast including Russell Crowe, Annabelle Wallis, and Sofia Boutella. Directed by Alex Kurtzman, the film aimed to be the cornerstone of a planned shared monster universe, promising a thrilling blend of action, horror, and ancient mythology. The premise was enticing: an ancient Egyptian princess, Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), entombed for millennia after her destiny was unjustly stolen, is awakened in the present day, unleashing a wave of malevolence and terror upon the world. The film follows Nick Morton (Tom Cruise), a soldier of fortune who inadvertently releases Ahmanet and finds himself caught in a desperate battle to save humanity. However, the film's execution struggled to capture the magic of its predecessors, leaving many viewers and critics disappointed.

Aspect Details
Title The Mummy (2017)
Release Date June 9, 2017
Director Alex Kurtzman
Starring Tom Cruise, Annabelle Wallis, Sofia Boutella, Russell Crowe
Genre Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Horror
Synopsis An ancient Egyptian princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension.
Box Office $80.2 million (United States and Canada); $329.8 million (Other Territories); $410 million (Worldwide)
Streaming/Download Available for purchase/rental on digital platforms such as Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Zee5, Hungama Play.
Further Information IMDb - The Mummy (2017)

The narrative, while rooted in the familiar "Mummy" lore, took liberties that didn't resonate with all audiences. The introduction of Dr. Henry Jekyll (Russell Crowe) and his transformation into Mr. Hyde felt forced to some, muddying the central storyline. While the film boasted impressive visual effects and action sequences, critics argued that these elements overshadowed the character development and narrative coherence. Noah Berlatsky, in his October 31, 2024 review on Substack, succinctly stated that the movie "erases the ambiguity of its predecessors" in its attempt to update the mummy for a "superhero moment," further cementing the film's perceived shortcomings.

Despite the star power of Tom Cruise, "The Mummy (2017)" faced mixed reviews and a lukewarm reception at the box office. While it grossed a respectable $410 million worldwide, with $80.2 million coming from the United States and Canada and $329.8 million from other territories, it fell short of expectations given its substantial budget and ambitious goals. Some critics appreciated the film's visual spectacle and the commitment of its cast, while others found it to be a disjointed and ultimately unsatisfying experience. The pressure to launch a sprawling monster universe seemingly hampered the film's ability to stand on its own as a compelling narrative.

The film's plot centers around Nick Morton, a U.S. Army sergeant who stumbles upon the tomb of Princess Ahmanet. Her sarcophagus is transported to London, where she is inadvertently awakened, unleashing her ancient powers and seeking to complete a dark ritual. As Ahmanet wreaks havoc, Nick finds himself connected to her in a mysterious way, becoming both a target and a key to her plans. He teams up with Jenny Halsey (Annabelle Wallis), an archaeologist, and Dr. Jekyll, to try to stop Ahmanet before she can plunge the world into chaos.

One of the recurring criticisms of "The Mummy (2017)" is its over-reliance on action sequences and special effects at the expense of character development and plot coherence. While the visual effects are undeniably impressive, they often feel gratuitous and distracting, detracting from the overall narrative. The film also suffers from tonal inconsistencies, veering between moments of genuine horror and lighthearted action, without finding a consistent and satisfying balance. The attempt to incorporate Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde into the story felt particularly jarring to many viewers, as it introduced a separate and somewhat disconnected storyline.

The performance of Sofia Boutella as Princess Ahmanet was a highlight for many viewers. She brought a chilling intensity and physicality to the role, embodying the ancient queen's malevolence and determination. However, even Boutella's compelling performance couldn't fully overcome the film's other shortcomings. Tom Cruise, while delivering his signature action-hero performance, seemed somewhat miscast in the role of Nick Morton. His character lacked the depth and complexity needed to fully connect with the audience, and his interactions with the other characters often felt forced and unconvincing.

The failure of "The Mummy (2017)" to launch a successful shared monster universe raised questions about the viability of such projects. While the concept of bringing together classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Wolfman in a single cinematic universe was appealing, the execution proved to be challenging. The film's struggles highlighted the importance of establishing strong individual narratives before attempting to connect them in a larger universe. In the years since its release, Universal Pictures has shifted its approach, focusing on standalone monster films with a greater emphasis on character development and storytelling.

Despite its critical and commercial shortcomings, "The Mummy (2017)" has managed to cultivate a small but dedicated fan base. Some viewers appreciate the film's visual spectacle and the commitment of its cast, while others find it to be a guilty pleasure, embracing its campy and over-the-top elements. The film's availability on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home has allowed it to reach a wider audience and find new appreciation among viewers who may have initially overlooked it. For those curious to explore the film, it can be purchased or rented on various digital platforms, offering a convenient way to experience the film's blend of action, horror, and ancient mythology.

The film's legacy serves as a cautionary tale for the potential pitfalls of rebooting classic franchises. The pressure to update and modernize beloved stories can sometimes lead to creative choices that alienate longtime fans and fail to resonate with new audiences. The key to a successful reboot lies in finding a balance between honoring the source material and offering a fresh and compelling perspective. In the case of "The Mummy (2017)," the film's attempts to emulate the success of superhero franchises ultimately detracted from its own unique identity.

The story begins with a flashback to ancient Egypt, where Princess Ahmanet is betrayed and mummified alive after attempting to seize power. In the present day, Nick Morton and his partner, Chris Vail (Jake Johnson), accidentally uncover Ahmanet's tomb while searching for treasure in Iraq. They transport the sarcophagus to London, where it is examined by Jenny Halsey, who recognizes the significance of the discovery. Ahmanet is awakened and immediately begins wreaking havoc, seeking to complete a dark ritual that will grant her ultimate power. As Ahmanet's influence spreads, Nick discovers that he is cursed and destined to become her chosen vessel.

The film's visual effects are a mixed bag. While some of the CGI is impressive, particularly in the scenes involving Ahmanet's sandstorm powers, other effects appear dated and unconvincing. The action sequences are often over-the-top and defy the laws of physics, which may appeal to some viewers but alienate others. The film's pacing is also inconsistent, with moments of intense action interspersed with lengthy exposition scenes. The lack of a clear and compelling narrative arc further contributes to the film's overall sense of disjointedness.

The supporting cast of "The Mummy (2017)" includes Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll, who runs a secret organization dedicated to fighting supernatural threats. Crowe's performance is intriguing, but his character feels shoehorned into the story and doesn't fully integrate with the main plot. Annabelle Wallis delivers a solid performance as Jenny Halsey, but her character is often relegated to the role of damsel in distress. Jake Johnson provides some comedic relief as Chris Vail, but his character's humor is often forced and out of place.

The film's themes revolve around the dangers of unchecked ambition, the consequences of defying fate, and the battle between good and evil. Ahmanet's story serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of power lust, while Nick's journey explores the possibility of redemption and the importance of making the right choices. However, these themes are often overshadowed by the film's emphasis on action and spectacle, preventing them from fully resonating with the audience. The film's exploration of ancient Egyptian mythology is also superficial, relying on familiar tropes and stereotypes rather than delving into the cultural nuances of the source material.

Despite its flaws, "The Mummy (2017)" remains a visually striking and occasionally entertaining film. Its blend of action, horror, and ancient mythology may appeal to viewers who are looking for a lighthearted and undemanding cinematic experience. However, those who are seeking a more nuanced and thought-provoking film may be disappointed by its lack of depth and coherence. The film's legacy serves as a reminder that even the most ambitious and well-funded projects can fall short of expectations if they fail to prioritize storytelling and character development.

For those who are interested in exploring other adaptations of "The Mummy," there are numerous options to choose from. The 1932 film starring Boris Karloff is a classic of the horror genre, while the 1999 film starring Brendan Fraser is a beloved action-adventure romp. Each adaptation offers a unique take on the story, reflecting the cultural and cinematic trends of its time. Whether you prefer the classic horror of the 1932 film or the modern action of the 1999 film, there is a "Mummy" movie out there for everyone.

In conclusion, "The Mummy (2017)" is a flawed but visually striking film that ultimately fails to live up to its potential. Its attempts to launch a shared monster universe resulted in a disjointed and incoherent narrative, overshadowing its moments of genuine entertainment. While the film has its fans, it remains a cautionary tale about the challenges of rebooting classic franchises and the importance of prioritizing storytelling and character development. Despite its shortcomings, "The Mummy (2017)" serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of ancient mythology and the timeless fascination with mummies and the mysteries of the past.

The film's opening sequence sets the stage for the story to come. A group of workers excavating a construction site in London unearths a hidden crypt, revealing the sarcophagus of Princess Ahmanet. The discovery attracts the attention of Jenny Halsey, an archaeologist who specializes in ancient Egyptian history. She recognizes the significance of the sarcophagus and arranges for it to be transported to a secure facility for further examination. Meanwhile, Nick Morton and Chris Vail are in Iraq, searching for treasure. They stumble upon Ahmanet's tomb, which is protected by a series of traps and ancient curses. Despite the warnings, they enter the tomb and discover the sarcophagus. They transport it to London, unaware of the evil that they have unleashed.

The awakening of Ahmanet marks a turning point in the film. She immediately begins using her powers to wreak havoc, controlling the minds of those around her and summoning sandstorms to destroy buildings and infrastructure. As she grows stronger, she seeks to complete a dark ritual that will grant her ultimate power. Nick finds himself connected to Ahmanet in a mysterious way, becoming both a target and a key to her plans. He teams up with Jenny and Dr. Jekyll to try to stop Ahmanet before she can plunge the world into chaos.

The film's climax takes place in London, where Ahmanet attempts to complete her ritual. Nick and Jenny confront her in a final showdown, battling her supernatural powers and her army of followers. The film's ending is ambiguous, leaving the door open for future installments in the planned monster universe. While the film's conclusion may not be entirely satisfying, it sets the stage for a potential sequel and allows for further exploration of the characters and the mythology.

Ultimately, "The Mummy (2017)" is a film that is more notable for its ambition than its execution. Its attempts to blend action, horror, and ancient mythology resulted in a film that is both visually striking and narratively flawed. While the film has its moments of entertainment, it ultimately fails to live up to its potential. Its legacy serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of rebooting classic franchises and the importance of prioritizing storytelling and character development. Despite its shortcomings, "The Mummy (2017)" remains a fascinating example of the enduring appeal of ancient mythology and the timeless fascination with mummies and the mysteries of the past.

One of the most significant criticisms of "The Mummy (2017)" is its lack of originality. The film borrows heavily from previous "Mummy" movies and other action-adventure films, without adding anything new or innovative to the genre. The plot is predictable, the characters are underdeveloped, and the dialogue is often clichd. The film's reliance on CGI and special effects also detracts from the overall quality of the story, making it feel more like a visual spectacle than a compelling narrative. The film's attempt to launch a shared monster universe also feels forced and unnatural, as the characters and storylines don't mesh well together. The result is a film that is both derivative and disappointing.

Despite its flaws, "The Mummy (2017)" has some redeeming qualities. The film's visual effects are impressive, particularly in the scenes involving Ahmanet's sandstorm powers. The action sequences are also well-choreographed and exciting, providing some moments of genuine thrills. Sofia Boutella delivers a compelling performance as Princess Ahmanet, bringing a chilling intensity and physicality to the role. The film's exploration of ancient Egyptian mythology is also intriguing, although it could have been more in-depth and nuanced. Overall, "The Mummy (2017)" is a mixed bag, with some positive aspects and some significant flaws. Whether you enjoy the film or not will depend on your personal preferences and your expectations for a modern action-adventure movie.

The film also suffers from a lack of atmosphere and suspense. The original "Mummy" movies were known for their eerie atmosphere and their ability to create a sense of dread and foreboding. "The Mummy (2017)", in contrast, feels more like a straightforward action movie, with little emphasis on suspense or horror. The film's use of jump scares is also ineffective, as they are often predictable and poorly executed. The lack of atmosphere makes it difficult to become fully immersed in the story, which further detracts from the overall viewing experience.

Another issue with "The Mummy (2017)" is its inconsistent tone. The film veers wildly between moments of serious drama, lighthearted comedy, and over-the-top action. This tonal inconsistency makes it difficult to get a sense of what the film is trying to be. Is it a horror movie? Is it an action movie? Is it a comedy? The film never seems to make up its mind, which results in a disjointed and unsatisfying viewing experience. The film's attempt to blend genres ultimately fails, as it doesn't succeed in any of them.

In addition to its lack of originality, atmosphere, and consistent tone, "The Mummy (2017)" also suffers from poor writing. The dialogue is often clichd and uninspired, the plot is full of holes, and the characters are underdeveloped. The film's writers seem to have prioritized spectacle over substance, resulting in a film that is visually impressive but narratively weak. The film's writing is a major contributor to its overall failure, as it prevents the audience from becoming fully invested in the story or the characters. The film's script needed significant revisions before it was ready for production.

The Mummy (2017) Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

The Mummy (2017) Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Download Movie The Mummy (2017) Image

Download Movie The Mummy (2017) Image

The Mummy (2017) 3D (Includes 2D Version) (Digital Download) Blu ray

The Mummy (2017) 3D (Includes 2D Version) (Digital Download) Blu ray

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