Hey folks, Harry here... I really do hope that Alex Kurtzman makes this version of THE MUMMY actually scary. I do. He says that is what he wants to do, but at least as far as the initial trailer and even this behind the scenes featurette for the Summer Spectacle shows us... Set modern day, definitely looks like fast moving creatures - and Sofia's Mummy, looks awfully attractive for a multi-thousand year old mummy, of course who knows how she starts out. Now here's the thing... this is written by Jon Spaihts (PASSENGERS & DOCTOR STRANGE) & Christopher McQuarrie (Oscar for USUAL SUSPECTS script, VALKYRIE & JACK REACHER). They're both fantastic writers - not known for goofiness. Spaihts has experience with mysticism, McQuarrie with unfolding action & plots that keep you riveted. So that's the foundation upon which this film is being built. That it is modern day means we are getting a film that will be launching UNIVERSALS' MONSTERVERSE in the here and now. So, will the Wolfman be a result of genetic hybrid lab experiments? I mean, FRANKENSTEIN modern day is kinda happening, in the coming year we'll have the first human head transplant. Only time will tell if it works. They're getting the patient used to the psychological concept of having a new body via VR. Weird.
I have to say, all at once, I'm fascinated - but know full well that this is not the route I would've loved Universal to go. I'm still yearning for that ILM FRANKENSTEIN from ages ago. This featurette gives us more of a look at what the film will be, besides a plane stunt. Which is good. And I can't wait to see Russell Crowe throw Tom Cruise all over the hell. That looks fun. BUT... The atmosphere seems glossy, rather than atmospheric. Still, this is just the earliest elements. The writers deserve our respect with their work. Alex Kurtzman is legetimately the unknown quantity here.
We all know his work with Bob Orci as writers on huge projects, but Alex only has one directing credit that I've seen and that was for a bit of a melodrama called PEOPLE LIKE US, which was pretty dang good. But that isn't this. There are lofty ambitions for this.
Brian Tyler is going to be handling the scoring for the film - he's become quite well known and respected for his Action Scores for Marvel flicks, FAST & FURIOUS flicks, but for me, his score for SIX STRING SAMURAI is still my fave. The melody it soars with is outstanding. Tyler's score work can definitely elevate the heart rate - but there should be monster themes... melodies that carry the creatures' souls into our hearts. At least, that'd be my preference.
Here ya go:
So far, the scariest and most atmospheric thing we've seen on this film is the poster. I don't want spoilers, but I do want the hairs on my arms to stand up and a tingle that needs a scream to let out. Hope for the best...
Keep it cool,
Harry
