Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1178 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-12-01
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Full Screen, Anamorphic, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 107 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
The third film in the The Mummy series freshens the franchise up by setting the action in China. There, the discovery of an ancient emperor's elaborate tomb proves a feather in the cap of Alex O'Connell (Luke Ford), a young archaeologist and son of Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) and his wife Evelyn (Maria Bello, taking over the role from Rachel Weisz). Unfortunately, a curse that turned the emperor (Jet Li) and his army into terra cotta warriors buried for centuries is lifted, and the old guy prepares for world domination by seeking immortality at Shangri La. The O'Connells barely stay a step ahead of him (climbing through the Himalaya mountains with apparent ease), but the action inevitably leads to a showdown between two armies of mummies in a Chinese desert. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor has a lot to offer: a supporting cast that includes the elegant Michelle Yeoh, Russell Wong, and Liam Cunningham, the unexpected appearance of several Yeti, and a climactic battle sequence that is nightmarishly weird but compelling. On the downside, the charm so desperately sought in romantic relationships, as well as comic turns by John Hannah (as Evelyn's rascal brother), is not only absent but often annoying. Rarely have witty asides in the thick of battle been more unwelcome in a movie. Rob Cohen's direction is largely crisp if sometimes curious (a fight between Fraser and Jet Li keeps varying in speed for some reason), but his vision of Shangri La, in the Hollywood tradition, is certainly attractive. --Tom Keogh

Synopsis
Filled with spectacular action and sharp banter, THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR finds the dashing Rick and Evelyn O'Connell (Brendan Fraser and Maria Bello, who took over for Rachel Weisz) called upon for another world-saving adventure. The film opens in 50 B.C., when the ruthless Dragon Emperor (Jet Li) seeks to conquer one last enemy, death, and become an immortal ruler. But when the Emperor betrays an obliging sorceress (Michelle Yeoh), he and his army are cursed to spend an eternity in statuesque limbo. Fast forward to 1946, when Rick and Evelyn are struggling to adapt to their self-imposed retirement. But the fates have other plans, and soon the O'Connells are crossing paths with their somewhat estranged son, Alex (Luke Ford). While enthusiastically carrying on the family's tomb-raiding traditions, Alex has unwittingly brought the Dragon Emperor back to life. With the world in peril, the O'Connells must overcome their differences to prevent the Dragon Emperor from gaining immortality for himself and his army. Along the way they're joined by a mysterious young woman (Isabella Leong), a wily pilot, and a trio of Abominable Snowmen. Jumping from Shanghai to the Himalayas to the Chinese desert, director Rob Cohen (THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY) takes audiences on a breathless adventure that continues THE MUMMY's love of quick wits, close calls and big battles. The result is a spirited romp that proves evil is no match against a family united.

Customer Reviews

Not terrible, but doesn't live up to its promise
I loved the original Mummy movie -it was rip roaring, silly entertainment that didn't take itself seriously and was all the more fun for it. I was excited for this one and approved the move from Egypt to China/the choice to create a new Mummy to keep the franchise getting stale.

Shame the end result IS stale. The dialogue's cheesier than ever but less witty and self aware, the fabulous John Hannah is demoted by the writers to the poor and unfunny comic relief with a set of really atrocious gags that are unworthy of him, and gamely as Maria Bello tries Rachel Weisz is missed. You no longer care about these characters as you did in the first movies - Rick and Evie are now just nauseating, their son has zero charisma and the new characters have no charm. The first Mummy, Imhotep, was tragic as well as evil, there was some depth to his story - this Emperor's just a one note villain. The much touted big fight between Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh is a let down, and their talents both acting and in martial arts are criminally underused. And don't get me started on the abominable snowmen.

There was so much potential in this story and with these characters/actors but I feel like the script and dialogue really let them down. It's a dandy enough way to pass an hour or two but it lacks the joie de vivre and self deprecating charm of the first Mummy movie.

OK, but not as good as Mummy & Mummy Returns
I pretty much agree with the mediocre reviews posted here, but it is still an entertaining movie with some great effects. Certainly not in the same league as Mummy and Mummy Returns, and where is the gorgeous Rachel Weisz, because she is sorely missed??!!

why oh why?
First off I Loved the Mummy, it encompassed everything that a summer blockbuster needed, while Returns wasn't quite as good it was still a lot of fun then a six year gap and this trash comes out.

Picking up a decade or so later from the previous film we now find Rick (Brendan Fraser) and Evelyn (Maria Bello) living the good life and their adventure days a thing of the past. Longing for more, they jump at the chance when offered the opportunity to deliver a rare stone to China. Meanwhile their now grown up son (Luke ford) (who now has an American accent for some reason)has stepped into their shoes, uncovering the tomb of the dragon emperor (Jet Li). He inadvertently awakens him, his parents arrive with the stone and learn of what's happened and they team up to take down the emperor.

The film drags it heels from the word go, opening with something reminiscent of an extract history channel; killing any excitement almost instantly. Rachel Weisz wisely decided to not to reprise her role so her character went to Mario Bello who to her credit does try hard but ultimately falls flat, generating very little chemistry with Brendan Fraser or John Hannah; which is something the previous two instalments had in spades. failing to recreate that magic which is a major problem with the film. Because of this Brendan Fraser sleep walks through the role, he has one or two decent one liners but has very little to work with and just seems bored through the duration of the film.

John Hannah returns as Jonathan and he supplies some light comic relief but is ultimately wasted. Luke ford playing the O'Connell son has a very wooden quality to him, having little experience in film, he becomes a bore very quickly. Michelle yeoh does a decent enough job in her rather limited role. Jet Li utterly fails to be convincing every time you see him on screen you think of him as jet Li and not as the mummy. He lacks any real menace unlike Arnold Vosloo did in the previous instalments and is just a cardboard cut out villain, whose totally uninteresting and non-threatening.

The direction of the film is decent enough but the film falls flat, poor effects throughout don't help(this film had a budget of $175 million so where that went is anyone's guess.)along with the inclusion of snow yeti's and the emperors ability to shape shift into a three headed dragon,(which raises the question at the end why doesn't he just incinerate all his enemies?)turn this into a pantomime of a movie. A lot of the films problems can be layed at the feet of the script writers as the plot meanders around moving from one uninspired set piece to another.

Probably the worst movie of 2008 there's very little to like, its got very little value as family entertainment as it will bore adults quickly and more than likely the kids by the end of it. It's a shame that the franchise has been reduced to this.