‘Mummies’ Review

Features the voices of: Joe Thomas, Elanor Tomlinson, Hugh Bonneville, Celia Imrie, Santiago Winder, Dan Starkey, Sean Bean | Written by Jordi Gasull, Javier López Barreira | Directed by Juan Jesús García Galocha

Within an Egyptian underworld, renowned chariot racer Thut (Joe Thomas) lives satisfied with his status as a local celebrity and bachelor. That changes when he’s selected to marry Princess Nefer (Elanor Tomlinson), which includes looking after a wedding ring he must keep safe under penalty of losing his eyes and tongue. Despite neither party wishing to marry, they must journey into 21st-century London when the ring is stolen by archaeologist Lord Sylvester Carnaby (Hugh Bonneville).

Director Juan Jesús García Galocha makes his feature debut with Mummies, a Spanish animation which has subsequently been dubbed for English audiences. What unfolds is an 88-minute feature with few surprises, including obvious gags such as texting via chiselling and the same pose being repeatedly used. While the prominence of Stargates is surprising, there are no prizes for guessing whether the central couple will soften on their disdain for marrying each other.

The trip to the human world sees the two characters undergoing their own personal journeys, as Thut grapples with his fears following his last chariot race, while aspiring singer Nefer expresses herself through rather forgettable songs. This is an unfortunate symptom of this film as, from the stilted line delivery to the limp action sequences, attempts at expression are done in such lacklustre ways.

Credit where it’s due, there are fun ideas within the story. The mummies misunderstanding a stage musical as how a different culture communicates has promise, while Sylvester’s search for mummies while fielding calls from his Mommy is an idea which never reaches its potential. These elements are suffocated by tiresome moments, such as the belief a department store announcement is an instruction from Ra, or how the villainous sidekicks rapidly change from incompetent buffoons to espionage professionals.

There was at least foresight by the creators to use “Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Bangles, as it is utilised whenever possible. Surprisingly, it does not appear during a key emotional point which is instead scored to a Nickelback song. What has been created is inoffensive fluff that young children can enjoy, complete with an adorable pet crocodile. Although, it bears questioning why all of the Egyptian mummies are voiced by a white cast.

** 2/5

Mummies is in UK cinemas now.