A Spanish-language animated movie dubbed into English by an impressive group of actors, this Egyptian-themed adventure is as odd as the Sphinx but gets away with it thanks to its overall charm.
It seems than immortal Egyptian mummies have been living in a world beneath us, but their world collides with ours when archaeologist Lord Carnaby (Bonneville) finds a cave that takes him to the Mummy city.
After a couple of twists, princess Nefer (Tomlinson), former charioteer Thut (Thomas), who suffers from PTSD, his little brother and their adorable pet crocodile end up in 21st century London in search of a ring Carnaby stole, while also on the run from Carnaby himself who would like to make the mummies part of his museum exhibition.
It’s all brightly animated and light-hearted, but there are some odd moments that may puzzle parents more than kids – it turns out the immortal pals’ true nature (when they look like the skeletons they are) can be revealed in bright light, yet there are numerous occasions in sun/under lights when it doesn’t happen. And even more confusingly, when Carnaby first finds the cave entrance he’s dressed like a 1920s explorer, making it all the more baffling when the action moves to the modern day.
There’s no denying that the movie is cute, though, and little ones will love the cuddly croc and the zippy chase scenes through an idealised London. Grown-ups, meanwhile can tap their feet along to The Bangles’ Walk Like An Egyptian, and if nothing else enjoy the fact that a whole new generation will hopefully appreciate such a terrifically fun pop song.
Is Mummies suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
There’s nothing scary here, although very young/sensitive viewers may be surprised when they see what the Mummies really look like (skeletons) and they may worry that Lord Carnaby will catch them (while he does do this, they are quickly free and there is no real sense of danger).
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