The Mummy (1999), with Brendan Fraseris back on streaming this month on Peacock, offering fans the chance to relive this iconic adventure. Although the film has a 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, its legacy has far exceeded those early reviews and has become a beloved classic in the action-adventure genre. The film also starred Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, And Arnold Vosloo.
The film tells the story of Rick O'Connell, an adventurer who accidentally stumbles upon the ancient city of Hamunaptra during a battle in 1923. Several years later, Rick leads spirited librarian Evelyn Carnahan and her bumbling brother Jonathan back to the city in search of hidden treasures. However, their archaeological expedition takes a deadly turn when they inadvertently awaken Imhotep, a cursed high priest who was mummified alive centuries ago.
Convicted of an illicit affair with the Pharaoh's mistress, Imhotep attempts to resurrect his lost love Anck-Su-Namun by sacrificing Evelyn. As Imhotep's power grows, he brings plagues to Egypt and raises the dead to obey his commands. Rick, Evelyn and Jonathan must then embark on a thrilling race against time, battling mummies and other supernatural forces to find a way to stop Imhotep and save Evelyn from a fate worse than death.
Amidst the action, the film mixes elements of horror and comedy, with Rick's bravery, Evelyn's intelligence, and Jonathan's comic mishaps adding to the group's dynamic. The narrative is rich in Egyptian mythology, providing an exotic backdrop for the adventure as the heroes unravel the mysteries of the ancient world.
Was “The Mummy” successful?
After its publication The Mummy was praised for its mix of action, horror and lighthearted humor. Fraser's portrayal of Rick O'Connell, a character that combines elements of Indiana Jones and Han Solo, was a key factor in the film's enduring popularity. The chemistry between Fraser and Weisz also contributed greatly to the film's success, making it more than just another action movie.
The film’s success wasn’t limited to critical acclaim – it also spawned a franchise with sequels, spin-offs and even a reboot in 2017. However, none have captured the charm of the original quite like Fraser’s The Mummywhich is still a fan favorite more than two decades later. As a testament to its popularity The Mummy grossed over $416 million at the box office worldwide, cementing its place as one of the most successful films of its time.
Peacock’s streaming release offers a perfect opportunity to revisit the world of ancient curses, mummies and daring adventurers. Whether you have nostalgic memories of the 90s or are new to the franchise, The Mummy promises an entertaining journey full of timeless excitement and adventure.
This month on Peacock, you can once again join Rick, Evelyn and Jonathan as they fight the undead and try to save the world from an ancient evil.
Watch on Peacock
