It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser, at least for me and those I’m close to. It holds up.

At its core, The Mummy works because it understands exactly what kind of movie it wants to be.

It absolutely was written by those who loved Raiders. You’ve got ancient artifacts, desert expeditions, supernatural consequences, and a roguish hero thrown into escalating chaos.

But where Indiana Jones got into dark plots and somewhat problematic subject matter, The Mummy is more fun-loving. It’s lighter on its feet. The tone is breezy, like a theme park ride. Also it has an amazing theme park ride.

Insane that a silly adventure movie had a couple lead of two future Oscar winners with instant chemistry.

Also important to note it’s an omage, if not a very faithful one, to classic horro.

Finally, to highlight a concept the Marvel movies picked up then fumbled, dialogue. Here, conversations feel natural and quick, with humor that MOST IMPORTANTLY, doesn’t feel contrived. Everything is still pithy and fun though.

It makes good use of time and is infinitely rewatchable. I’ll probably watch it 40 more times throughout my life.