It’s not often that a film with a megastar like Tom Cruise, along with a decorated cast including Russell Crowe, falls flat on its face. Yet, the 2017 reboot of “The Mummy” managed just that. On paper, the movie seemed poised for success, with all the potential to rejuvenate Universal’s ambitious Dark Universe franchise. But what went so terribly wrong? Let’s dissect this much-discussed flop and explore the reasons why it failed to meet expectations.
The Flawed Promotional Campaign
“The marketing for 2017’s The Mummy was fairly uninspired…Viewers were never given a chance to see what these intriguing eyes offered.”
It’s not uncommon for marketing to amplify certain aspects of a movie, creating intrigue and anticipation. Yet, the promotional materials for “The Mummy” overly focused on Princess Ahmanet’s eyes with an extra pupil. Audiences expected these eyes to play a significant role, but it turned out to be nothing more than a visual gimmick. This misleading marketing set the tone for disappointment right from the get-go.
Underutilizing Tom Cruise
“The Mummy completely wastes his involvement by having [Cruise] play a paper-thin character with very little substance.”
Tom Cruise, with his proven track record in Hollywood and three Academy Award nominations to his name, was undeniably one of the movie’s major selling points. Yet, his character lacked depth, preventing him from showcasing his charm and acting prowess. Instead of capitalizing on Cruise’s star power, “The Mummy” submerged it under a deluge of generic action sequences.
Character Crisis
“A major problem in The Mummy is poor characters. If Cruise’s Nick Morton is paper-thin, the supporting characters are microscopic.”
Good monster movies aren’t just about the monsters; they thrive on strong character development. Unfortunately, “The Mummy” failed to deliver in this department, with both lead and supporting characters being underdeveloped and lackluster.
Dwarfed by Its Legacy
“The 2017 reboot doesn’t live up to them in any way. It lacks the memorable characters, the scares, the humor…”
One of the significant challenges of rebooting a beloved series is living up to its legacy. The classic Universal series and even the 1999 version of “The Mummy” had set high standards, blending horror, adventure, and comedy seamlessly. The 2017 version, in contrast, felt lackluster and devoid of the charm that made previous iterations memorable.
Overdose of Action
“It feels like director Alex Kurtzman believes fans are only entertained by action scenes…”
While action is an essential element of the genre, the 2017 reboot seemed to rely excessively on it, overshadowing character development, suspense, and dialogue. The perpetual onslaught of action sequences quickly turned monotonous, lacking the dynamic pacing essential for keeping audiences engaged.
Misplaced Comedy Attempts
“It doesn’t work out…It’s misplaced and falls completely flat.”
Tom Cruise’s comedic attempts in the movie felt out of place, especially given the serious tone of the surrounding characters and narrative. Instead of adding levity, the humor seemed forced and jarring.
The Premature Birth of the Dark Universe
“It was, therefore, deeply unnecessary for Russell Crowe’s Henry Jekyll to be shoehorned into the movie…”
Universal’s ambition to set up the Dark Universe through “The Mummy” felt rushed and contrived. Introducing pivotal characters and plot points prematurely took away from the movie’s standalone potential, leaving audiences confused and overwhelmed.
Where Were The Scares?
“Ahmanet offers nothing in terms of scares at any point in 2017’s The Mummy — and that’s a real shame.”
Arguably the most damning critique of “The Mummy” is its failure to scare. For a film meant to be the cornerstone of the “Dark Universe,” it lacked the essential element of horror. Without suspense and a menacing antagonist, the movie felt like a hollow shell of its promising premise.
Reflections
The failure of the 2017 reboot of “The Mummy” is a testament to the complexities of filmmaking. A stellar cast and a generous budget do not necessarily guarantee success. It’s a blend of storytelling, character development, pacing, and promotional honesty that makes a film resonate with audiences. While “The Mummy” might have faltered, it serves as a cautionary tale for future reboots and franchise launches.
