Last night Wolfling and I went to see The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, despite not having seen or heard any good reviews. It was Friday night, she'd just survived her first week at junior high, and I felt we needed some fun time together. It was, quite simply, the only movie out there that I felt I could take her to that she hadn't already seen.
As it turned out, I rather enjoyed it, probably because I went in with such low expectations. Rachel Weisz was sorely missed as Evey. Monica Bella just didn't do the character justice -- although that was probably as much the fault of the writers, who weren't consistent with her. Brendan Fraser's O'Connell was reckless, goofy, and devoted, as always -- although the plot device of being estranged from their now-grown son Alex strained the usual light-hearted, pulpy mood of the series.
No question, the best part was Michelle Yeoh as the witch responsible for cursing the Emperor in the first place and who is still around in 1947 to help destroy him. This woman is 45 years old, still exquisitely beautiful, dignified, and still capable of swordplay and wire work. She also just looks wise to me.
When she first appeared onscreen in her gorgeous blue gown, I sighed. A little later, I whispered to Wolfling I want to be her.
Wolfling's response: What girl wouldn't?
We had a good time.
And I'm sorry, but I loved the yeti. When Lin ran to the edge of the temple and started calling, it never crossed my mind who would show up. Yes, it was over the top, but that's the kind of movie it is. And I thought the three-headed dragon was marvelous.
Also fun: Wolfling's observation "They're finally fighting on the same side as the undead!"