REVIEW: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (PG-13)

It’s rare that good movies come in threes. Sure, it’s the magic number, and there are always a few exceptions (The Godfather, Lord of the Rings), but generally, the films get worse as the franchise wears on.  The first two instalments of the Mummy 'trilogy' were fun, witty (in places) and packed a strong enough punch to hold their own against rival action-adventures.  But it seems as the franchise ages, the more important action becomes over content.

The plot of The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is simple; it’s the Scorpion King, but set in China.  An evil emperor (Jet Li) wants power over the whole world, but is thwarted and encased in a tomb for all eternity.  But - surprise, surprise - he’s set free and the O’Connell’s have to stop him; definitely a case of seen it all before.

From the moment we’re introduced to the story of Jet Li’s emperor, to the terrible final joke that is needlessly spoon-fed to the audience, this film is full of disappointments.  Maria Bello, Rachel Weisz’s replacement, is less likeable than the credit crunch.  You could screw in a few hinges, put a letterbox in her stomach, and pass her off as a front door, she’s so wooden.  Luke Ford, a Prince Harry look-a-like, who plays Alex, the youngest of the O’Connell family, completely misses the “young-Indy” role he was supposed to fill and replaces it with an irritating schoolboy who’s out of his depth, (both in character and acting ability).  Even the franchise’s reliable comedy beacon, John Hannah as Jonathan, is short of the mark, with terrible one liners and an air of annoying desperation.

But in fairness to at least Brendan Fraser and John Hannah, the biggest problem lies with the script.  The writers - including Stephen Sommers, director of the first two Mummy films - were so eager to get to the action sequences that they completely neglected character interaction.  There is no warmth in scenes between Fraser and Bello, just a few sentences strung together without thought or care.  And just when you think the film can’t get any worse...the yeti’s turn up.  Yes you read right, The Abominable Snowman makes an appearance to save the day - but sadly not to save the film.