Mummies: Chaotic visuals with fleeting charm

The opening scene of “Mummies” (2023) sets a chaotic tone: three ancient Egyptian wrappings unraveling mid-air over London, their bandages flailing like kites in a storm. Directed by Juan Jesús García Galocha, this animated adventure is a visual mess, but one that occasionally stumbles into charm.

Visually, the film is a hodgepodge of styles, with character designs that seem to oscillate between afternoon kids’ TV and a theme park attraction. The animation lacks consistency, with some scenes looking polished while others appear rushed, as if cobbled together from different budgets. Yet, amidst this clutter, there are moments of genuine creativity—Nefer’s (Eleanor Tomlinson) shimmering gold eyes or Sekhem’s (Santiago Winder) towering stature—design touches that hint at what could have been.

The story follows Thut (Joe Thomas), Nefer, and Sekhem as they navigate present-day London in search of a stolen royal ring. The plot is a series of wacky mishaps, from mistaken identities to chase sequences through the British Museum. It’s a formulaic kids’ adventure, but one that occasionally surprises with its willingness to embrace absurdity. A standout sequence involves the trio infiltrating a high-society gala, their ancient Egyptian attire clashing hilariously with the modern aristocracy.

The voice cast brings energy to the proceedings. Joe Thomas’s Thut is particularly endearing, his wide-eyed curiosity anchoring the film’s emotional core. Eleanor Tomlinson’s Nefer adds a layer of wit and sass, while Sean Bean’s Pharaoh delivers gravitas in small but memorable doses. Hugh Bonneville’s Lord Carnaby is a delightful villain, oozing ambition and absurdity.

However, the film falters in its pacing and structure. The first act rushes through the mummies’ arrival in London, while the second act meanders through a series of loosely connected set pieces. The climax, a race against time to return the ring, feels hastily executed, lacking the build-up or stakes needed for a satisfying payoff.

The soundtrack is another mixed bag. While some tracks capture the film’s whimsical tone, others feel generic and out of place. A musical number featuring Nefer singing about her royal lineage is a highlight, but it’s too few and far between.

“Mummies” is a film that tries to be everything to everyone—a family adventure, a fantasy epic, a comedy—but ends up pleasing no one. It lacks the emotional depth and narrative cohesion of recent animated features like “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” or “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.” Instead, it feels like a pastiche of ideas, some inspired but most forgettable.

Ultimately, “Mummies” is a film that might entertain younger viewers with its bright colors and silly antics, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.