Walking into the movie theater with a tub of popcorn in hand, eager to watch “The Mummy” directed by Lee Cronin, you might find yourself pondering a significant question: “Who is Lee Cronin?” Alongside this query, you may also wonder about the absence of Brendan Fraser, the connection (if any) to the 1999 version of “The Mummy,” and how this Warner Bros. production came to be without ties to Universal’s previous “Mummy” franchise or its upcoming revival.
Lee Cronin, the film’s writer-director, is behind the scenes, but let’s delve into the on-screen chaos first. The narrative revolves around multiple intertwined stories, introducing an Egyptian family initially, but quickly shifting focus to an American family living in Egypt. The plot weaves through time, introducing new characters and a storyline involving human trafficking, ancient curses, and a disturbed individual with a peculiar fascination for creepy crawlies.
The film attempts to blend a possession-themed drama with elements of an Egyptian mummy tale, sprinkled with themes of family loyalty and abandonment. Despite these aspirations, the execution feels rushed and lacks depth, resembling a last-minute school essay.
This project by Lee Cronin stands apart from Universal’s traditional monster movies, despite initial assumptions, and has no apparent connection to Universal’s “Mummy” franchise. The movie’s release amidst Universal’s reboot of the “Mummy” series with Brendan Fraser adds to the confusion, fueling speculations about the film’s development and reception.
While rumors suggest that the film underwent significant revisions due to poor test screenings, Cronin denies these claims, asserting that the final product aligns with his original vision. However, the film’s narrative struggles to innovate beyond a conventional possessed-child storyline, resorting to shock value and horror clichés without substantial character development or plot coherence.
Cronin’s attempt to infuse familial horror elements akin to successful titles like “Sinister” falls short, resulting in a grotesque and disjointed portrayal that fails to engage or provoke thought effectively. Despite its graphic nature, “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” misses the mark in delivering a compelling and cohesive horror experience.
