Entertainment
The Mummy Returns, So Does Costner
By Tommy Garrett
Aug 3, 2008 - 12:47:06 PM

The latest flicks to debut this week have everyone talking. Will any summer film be able to garner any publicity or attention for movie goers after “The Dark Knight" has blown all box office records and is shrouded with mystery over whether the late Heath Ledger’s performance will be honored with an Oscar. Yes, a movie that debuts in July is already being talked about for an Oscar. But “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” deserves some attention too. Brendan Fraser and Jet Li are incredible in this film. Maria Bello is beautiful and mesmerizing in the role of Evelyn O’Connell. The Robert Cohen directed film moves fast and is one that you don’t have to invest a lot of time and emotions into the storyline. But it’s still full of fun and great special effects sequences.
   Cohen brilliantly downplays some of them so that the story and acting are not lost on viewers.

   In the Far East, trouble-seeking father-and-son duo Rick and Alex O'Connell unearth the mummy of the first Emperor of Qin —a shape-shifting entity who was cursed by a wizard centuries ago. Seeing Fraser play a father (Rick) is hard for me. Seems like just yesterday the actor was too young to play a dad. He’s grown immensely as an actor. The film has a good script, isn’t as shocking or dark as “The Dark Knight.” But the movie is one that fans of action and adventure will enjoy. Sequels don’t often work, but this one is worth a matinee. This film is offered Three and a half of Five Stars.
   Then there’s “Swing Vote.” The Joshua Michael Stern comedy has made me a fan of actor Kevin Costner’s all over again. For many fans of this great actor, we’ve not seen a film that he was able to be a formidable leading man since “The Bodyguard” in the '90s. Get ready to laugh. Costner is fun and even handsome as Bud Johnson. And during an election year, it’s funny to say, this movie boils down to one man’s vote making all the difference. Anything that encourages young people in America to vote, I’m all for it.
   Madeline Carroll is also amazing in this film. The preteen has been capturing Hollywood’s attention for several years now. But she’s just adorable and funny in this film. Nathan Lane as Art Crumb is hilarious. And Stanley Tucci steals the film. He plays Martin Fox. The film is rounded off with TV star and comedian George Lopez. Costner and Tucci are worth the cost of a ticket and popcorn and a soft drink as well. I give “Swing Vote” Four of Five Stars.
   Both films open this weekend, so enjoy!