The Mummy – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Mummy

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1999

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Brendan Fraser fights a decomposing mummy in peak '90s adventure—fun, gross, and genuinely scary in spots.

7.1/10

63%

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The Mummy

movie

PG-13, 1999

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Brendan Fraser fights a decomposing mummy in peak '90s adventure—fun, gross, and genuinely scary in spots.

7.1

63%

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7.1/10

63%

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Screenwise Verdict

The Mummy is that rare '90s blockbuster that actually holds up—it knows exactly what it is and delivers. Brendan Fraser's charisma, Rachel Weisz's brains, and some genuinely creative horror-adventure sequences make this more than just CGI spectacle.

But let's be clear: this earns its PG-13 / age 12+ recommendation. The body horror is real (regenerating corpse flesh, beetles burrowing under skin, people being mummified alive), and younger kids will have nightmares. It's not gratuitous, but it's not Marvel-sanitized either.

For tweens and teens who can handle the scares, this is a solid pick—entertaining, quotable, and might actually spark interest in ancient history. Just don't let your 7-year-old watch it because "it's just a mummy movie." It's not Air Bud. It's legitimately scary in spots.

Age Fit

Best for kids 11-12 and up who can handle sustained scares and body horror without nightmares. The adventure elements are appealing to tweens and teens, and the movie has enough charm that adults still enjoy it. Probably too intense for most kids under 10.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Adventure-driven narrative with heroic protagonists and clear good-vs-evil stakes. The main characters show bravery and teamwork, though the tone is more swashbuckling action than emotionally nurturing. Some romantic chemistry between leads is playful rather than inappropriate. Pacing is fast and action-heavy, not chaotic but definitely energetic. The villain is a reanimated corpse seeking revenge, which frames the conflict clearly but isn't particularly nuanced.

Imaginative

Ancient Egypt setting with mummies, curses, scarabs, and supernatural elements creates a rich world of adventure archaeology. The blend of historical fiction with fantasy horror is well-executed and visually inventive for its time. Practical effects and early CGI create memorable sequences (flesh-regenerating mummy, sand face, scarab beetles). Invites curiosity about ancient civilizations and mythology, though it's more about spectacle than deep exploration or creative expression.

Safe

This is where The Mummy stumbles for younger viewers. Significant horror elements include: decomposing mummy with exposed flesh and organs, flesh-eating scarab beetles burrowing under skin, faces melting, people being mummified alive, and corpses with eyes and tongues removed. The PG-13 rating (implied by Common Sense Media's age 12 recommendation) reflects genuine scares and body horror that would be disturbing for kids under 10-11. Violence is frequent though not gratuitously gory. Some mild innuendo and a few curse words. It's not a surprise—you know what you're getting with a mummy movie—but the intensity is real.

Enriching

Sparks interest in Egyptology, archaeology, and ancient history, even if the actual history is Hollywood-ized. The librarian protagonist (Rachel Weisz) is smart, capable, and knowledgeable—a decent role model. Themes of greed leading to consequences, and courage in the face of supernatural terror. Entertainment value is high for its target audience, with quotable dialogue and memorable set pieces. However, it's primarily a popcorn adventure film—fun and engaging but not particularly thought-provoking or skill-building beyond inspiring curiosity about ancient cultures.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Legitimately entertaining adventure-horror that holds up better than most late-'90s CGI spectacles
Rachel Weisz's librarian-turned-adventurer is smart, capable, and doesn't just scream at monsters
Sparks genuine interest in ancient Egypt and archaeology, even if the history is wildly Hollywood-ized
Brendan Fraser's charm carries the whole thing—goofy, heroic, and self-aware in the best way
Memorable practical effects and set pieces that create real atmosphere and tension

⚠

What to Watch For

Body horror is real: flesh regenerating on skeletal frames, scarab beetles under skin, faces melting, mummification scenes
Sustained scares throughout—this isn't Marvel-style action, it's actual horror-adventure
Some mild language and innuendo, nothing shocking but worth noting
Kids under 11-12 will likely find this genuinely frightening, not just exciting

Conversation Starters

"What do you think archaeologists actually do? Is it more like the movie or more like... digging in dirt for months?"
"Why do you think people were so obsessed with curses and protecting tombs in ancient Egypt?"
"Would you rather fight one mummy or a thousand scarab beetles?"
"What made Evelyn such a good partner for Rick? How did her skills complement his?"

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