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The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is a film released in 2008 regarding the resurrection of an ancient Chinese emperor (or "mummy"). The emperor, "Emperor Han" in the film, is based on Qin Shi Huang, ruler of the Qin Dynasty, and the first emperor of China. This film continues on from two previous Mummy films starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. However, in this movie, Rachel Weisz does not reprise her role. Evy, the wife of the character who Brendan Fraser plays, is cast by US actress Maria Bello. The cast also includes John Hannah, Luke Ford, Isabella Leong, Michelle Yeoh and Jet Li.

This movie begins 13 years after the events of The Mummy Returns. In the starting scene, a story is told about Emperor Han (Jet Li), and events concerning his trusted General Ming (Russell Wong) after he falls in love with a witch called Zi Yuan (Michelle Yeoh). Emperor Han's army has conquered the rest of the world and he now seeks to become immortal (as he has nothing else to do). Emperor Han becomes angry as he desired Zi Yuan for himself, and he executes General Ming (using multiple horses to pull his body in different directions). Zi Yuan reveals that she has actually cast a spell to encase Emperor Han and his army in terracotta. She leaves as the transformation begins, although with seemingly mortal wounds. Rick (Brendan Fraser) and Evy (Maria Bello) are trying to enjoy the quiet life, although it is obvious they long for another adventure. Rick's son, Jimmy, is in China and unearths the tomb of an ancient Chinese warlord. Rick and Evy agree to deliver an important Chinese diamond back to Shanghai. There, they are betrayed by Professor Wilson (David Calder). A Chinese soldier, loyal to Emperor Han, (Anthony Wong Chau-Sang) uses the unwilling help of Rick and Evy to resurrect the Chinese warlord. In the end, with the help of the resurrected General Ming, the emperor and has army are utterly decimated.

I really enjoyed this movie as it had an interesting plot concerning love and revenge. There are some great fighting scenes (including swordfights) and I loved the extra touch of enormous yetis helping the heroes.

The reviews haven't been that good, e.g. see the Wikipedia page (look down the bottom right of this page to see when I copied this information).

Critical reaction to The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor has been very negative. As of now, it holds a 13% "Rotten" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 156 reviews.[40] Metacritic reported, based on 33 reviews, an average rating of 35 out of 100.[41]

However, I believe that this film was an excellent continuation of the Mummy series. And Roger Ebert, of the Chicago Sun-Times, agrees with me.

Conclusion: A movie great continuation of the Mummy series with an original and interesting plot.

Posted by Proabffmm on Monday, October 6, 2008.