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The Mummy:
Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
PG-13 (2008)
Universal Pictures
Director: Rob Cohen
Cast: Brenden Fraser, Maria Bello, Luke Ford,
Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh
The famous mummy-hunters Rick and Evelyn O’Connor (Brendan Fraser and Maria
Bello) are just beginning to get bored with life when the government asks them to return
an enchanted diamond to China. Arriving in Shanghai, they discover that their son Alex
(Luke Ford) has secretly dropped out of University and discovered a mummy army.
While parents are proud about the discovery, Dad is still trying to get over the dropout
issue when they discover that Alex was actually lured away from his studies by friendly
bad guys with their own agenda. Treachery abounds, the mummy (Jet Li) awakes, and
the family must come together to save the world.
Jet Li didn’t have enough to do in this one, but Michelle Yeoh showed regal presence as
a sorceress on the side of Love.
Random thought: Not sure which fantasy is greater: resurrected mummies or
archeologists who dynamite their way into ancient tombs…
Fatherhood
The father-son relationship is going through a transition as Alex sets out on his own
career. Dad is basically treated as an impending empty-nester without power in the
relationship, but still loved. He remains a central figure in the film for his knowledge, role
as a warrior, and various skills.
When Mom lovingly questions if Dad shows his love for his son, he says with a bit of a
wince, “I’m his dad. It’s implied.” But he also tries to make a better show of it,
sometimes with hilarious effect.
While entertaining, the levity also bypasses a chance of showing a father-son
relationship in personally meaningful terms.
This modeling of successful father-son growth is a plus in our book. There just isn’t
much in pop culture that demonstrates healthy ways for men (sons AND dads), to make
important transitions. Dads and sons need each other equally, if differently, even if
sometimes neither wants to admit it. But when done well, the whole family wins. Or
maybe the whole world.
Final verdict
Father friendly as far as it goes, but male positive.
Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
PG-13 (2008)
Universal Pictures
Director: Rob Cohen
Cast: Brenden Fraser, Maria Bello, Luke Ford,
Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh
The famous mummy-hunters Rick and Evelyn O’Connor (Brendan Fraser and Maria
Bello) are just beginning to get bored with life when the government asks them to return
an enchanted diamond to China. Arriving in Shanghai, they discover that their son Alex
(Luke Ford) has secretly dropped out of University and discovered a mummy army.
While parents are proud about the discovery, Dad is still trying to get over the dropout
issue when they discover that Alex was actually lured away from his studies by friendly
bad guys with their own agenda. Treachery abounds, the mummy (Jet Li) awakes, and
the family must come together to save the world.
Jet Li didn’t have enough to do in this one, but Michelle Yeoh showed regal presence as
a sorceress on the side of Love.
Random thought: Not sure which fantasy is greater: resurrected mummies or
archeologists who dynamite their way into ancient tombs…
Fatherhood
The father-son relationship is going through a transition as Alex sets out on his own
career. Dad is basically treated as an impending empty-nester without power in the
relationship, but still loved. He remains a central figure in the film for his knowledge, role
as a warrior, and various skills.
When Mom lovingly questions if Dad shows his love for his son, he says with a bit of a
wince, “I’m his dad. It’s implied.” But he also tries to make a better show of it,
sometimes with hilarious effect.
While entertaining, the levity also bypasses a chance of showing a father-son
relationship in personally meaningful terms.
This modeling of successful father-son growth is a plus in our book. There just isn’t
much in pop culture that demonstrates healthy ways for men (sons AND dads), to make
important transitions. Dads and sons need each other equally, if differently, even if
sometimes neither wants to admit it. But when done well, the whole family wins. Or
maybe the whole world.
Final verdict
Father friendly as far as it goes, but male positive.
