31 Days of Halloween: Day 21

UPDATED!

Day 21

The Mummy (1999)

This may not be the first film that comes to your mind when I say the words Halloween or horror, but the original film with Boris Karloff, back in 1932, was more of a horror film, especially for the time.

This version focus's on those trying to get away from the mummy, rather than the mummy himself, as in the original. A librarian, itching to make her niche in the Egyptian history field, joins a former soldier (and ex-con) along with her brother, in seeking out the city of the dead. Along with a group of Americans looking for the same thing, they release an ancient mummy bent on releasing the 7 plagues of Egypt and bringing his lost love back from the dead.

I love all of the CGI moments in the 1999 as I feel that CGI was really starting to come into its prime at the time. How they were able to work on the mummy's regeneration was fantastic, rebuilding him piece by piece, but still leaving sections of him missing. Pretty cool if you ask me. Also, making the plagues happen (I particularly like the flies coming from the mummy's mouth).

I think this movie is made by Jonathan, Evelyn's brother, who is basically just a waste of space. He's got great comedic timing and is played tremendously by John Hannah (of Four Weddings and a Funeral). The chemistry between Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser is very believable. I enjoyed their 'drunken' scene together (or rather her 'drunken' scene with him). I think its one of the most lighthearted scenes in the movie...which was rare considering the mummy is killing everyone and sucking the lives out of them. Fun times!


Similar Movies:

The Mummy (1932)
The Mummy (1959)
The Mummy Returns (2001)
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)


Up Next - DOUBLE FEATURE

The Addams Family (1991)

Addams Family Values (1993)

31 Days of Halloween: Day 20

Day 20

The Thing (1982)



Overall, this is a very interesting movie. Another possession movie...two days in a row...but its very different from Body Snatchers, particularly in how its done.

This movie takes place in a remote camp in Antarctica, where there are a group of people doing scientific work. After a helicopter crash with two Norwegians, they are stuck with a stray dog that the helicopter was chasing. After the 'dog' goes haywire in the cage with the other dogs, they realize some 'thing' is among them.

The scare factor in this movie is pretty low...but the effects are fantastic, particularly for the early 80's. I can only imagine what the most recent version of this film (released this month) looks like. The gore factor was high, but not in a completely grotesque way (I don't really think there is a 'too grotesque' movie, but I'm sure one could be brought to my attention). I felt that the level of blood and gore was just right for this movie, and fairly realistic in its presentation.

The idea that there was something basically assimilating the humans in the camp and creating duplicates that were taking their place...crazy. Kurt Russell, who played the lead MacReady, was his usual self. I liked his take on this character though. I felt that it wasn't too crazy...(i.e. Captain Ron) and it wasn't all bad ass (i.e. Escape from L.A.), so he was tolerable. :-)

Having seen this movie, I'd be willing to check out the remake, in theatres now. From what I can tell, the new movie is more of a prequel to this 1982 version...basically telling the story of the Norwegian camp. Interesting...

I'm currently kicking myself for not being able to be down at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights this year as they are featuring the new version of The Thing. I bet those haunted houses would be something.


Similar Movies:

The Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
The Thing (2011)


Up Next

The Mummy (1999)