By Christopher Robinson Fox 5 News Workstudy Student

It’s been four days since The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, hit theaters, and the film is already receiving mixed reviews.  This latest installment is an exciting adventure that mixes ancient Chinese Mythology with carefully crafted special effects that will leave you wanting to take your imagination to the next level!

The film opens with a back-story about the Dragon Emperor (Jet Li), and his quest to conquer China, but his ultimate goal is to find the source of immortality. While embarking on his search, The Dragon Emperor falls in love with Zi Yuan (Michelle Yeoh), a well-known sorceress.  Zi Yuan, however, has feelings for another that is very dear to The Dragon Emperor’s own heart. 

As the plot thickens, all parties become involved in a love triangle that embodies the same elements presented in The Dark Knight: love, deception, and ultimate betrayal.  Because of this heated conflict of affection, both sides must make a choice, which in the long run, will determine and seal their fate.

Once the above story concludes, the film moves to a not so adventurous couple, Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) and Evelyn O’Connell (Maria Bello), who are longing for their old life that was laced with excitement.  While regretting their early retirement, the O’Connell’s son, Alex (Luke Ford), is continuing the family legacy when he unearths The Dragon King and his army.  With a strange family dynamic that is plagued with authority issues, the O’Connell clan find’s themselves traveling to China. This is when the film shifts into OVERDRIVE!

The Dragon Emperor is awakened, but his own resurrection is accomplished in a most clever manner!  You will have to check out the film in order to witness this scene of trickery and chaos.  Also, you will be surprised by The Dragon Emperor’s brutality when it comes time to use his powers.  At this point, it is clear that nothing is left to the imagination!  You witness fireballs, sonic screams, slippery slopes, cellular regeneration, abominable snowmen, epic fight scenes, metamorphosis (shape shifting), and an Armageddon-type final battle that is never ending!

Ultimately, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is an adrenaline rush that keeps you glued to your seat.  The character conflicts will keep you engaged, while the special effects will leave you visually inspired.  Some are calling for The Mummy Series to be put to rest for good, but judging from the ending, there will be another mummy, for there is no rest for the mummified!
Overall Grade: A-
*** “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” opened in second place with $42.5 million.  Though it put up strong numbers, the new installment had the smallest opening of the three movies. “The Mummy” debuted with $43.4 million in 1999 and “The Mummy Returns” did $68.1 million in 2001.   “The Dark Knight” remains number one, pulling in $43.8 million during this weekend.  (Yahoo Entertainment & Gossip: David Germain, AP Movie Writer)