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Will Stephen Sommers Return for The Mummy 4? Why His Huge Absence May Matter More Than Reuniting The Cast

As The Mummy 4 rises from development sands, the return of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz sparks hope. But whether Stephen Sommers returns may matter more than nostalgia, especially when tonal stewardship defines the franchise’s legacy.

The Mummy 4 Poster With The Mummy 4 officially greenlit, there’s reason to celebrate. Rachel Weisz is confirmed to be reprising her role. And without Brendan Fraser, no continuation can take place. And for that, many fans are cheering, myself included. Also potentially on the roster is Oded Fehr. Although he is busy with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the hope is that he has interest in returning too. The release date of May 19, 2028!

But in what remains unclear is whether Stephen Sommers will be involved in any capacity. No further information has been made since the prior announcement. His two films were not just action spectacles, but also true pulp adventures. This director revived the spirit of the classics, and edged it towards classic Indiana Jones territory. They also had that sexiness and suave of those Doc Savage radio dramas. And in an era where Egypt was being discovered, danger can be hidden anywhere!

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A Quick Retrospective on Philip J. Cook, Filmmaker-at-large!

One thing that’s for certain is that everyone in one of Philip J. Cook’s film projects are passionate about what they do and are invested from start to end!

Phillip J Cook at Work The big difference between one of Philip J. Cook‘s early films, like Despiser, to a recent one, namely Ghost Planet, is in how well he can blend in the special effects. He uses a blue/green screen for most of his wide angle shots, and these days, they’re in those closeups too! With modern-age computer technology, he can truly create those exotic worlds, and while his skills as a storyteller haven’t changed much, what makes his films unique is that he will micromanage. That is, he’s an auteur.

Although most of his tales are populated with characters in familiar roles, I can’t fault him for his choices after watching more than these two works. He wants to make his works accessible. What I’m recognising from Despiser reminds me of Buckaroo Banzai and I had to check out the bonus features first before attempting to watch the film. They’re quite good at getting me primed at what to expect instead of tuning it out.

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The Last Movie Ever Made Honours Something Else Few Would Expect During the Apocalypse

Is it possible to not quote a certain song from REM in another end of the world movie? In this case, the answer in The Last Movie Ever Made is yes, but I still have to refere to it anyways.

Available to view on Amazon Prime and Apple TV

The Last Movie Ever Made is a humorous film that’s more about the joy of making a fan film than anything else. And here, I suspect the story takes inspiration from various sources, including Star Trek. And when considering writer/director Nathan Blackwell created the web series Voyage Trekkers, the carryover is very evident.

In this film, everyone has heard the telepathic message that the world will end and there’s nothing they can do about it other than prepare for the end of days. While some will panic and others will stand in the middle of the street holding a sign, “The Apocalypse is here,” what’s presented is a slice of Americana taking it in stride, and just think about what do they want to do in the thirty days remaining.

The threat feels very much like a riff on how Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy started. While nobody is even going to have a chance to leave the planet, I did have to wonder how the rest of the world was reacting. As for what Marshall (Adam Rini) believes is best is to do something meaningful with his life–to finish making that movie that he thought of back when he was a teen. The people whom he gets to join in this endeavour includes his old chums, Lance (Ryan Gaumont) and Arthur (Craig Curtis) along with his ex-wife Audrey (Megan Hughes Rini).

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Stephen Sommers’s The Mummy at 25 Years!

If you haven’t gone to the theatrical celebration, that’s okay. We can still have cake to celebrate The Mummy’s Silver Anniversary!

The Mummy Poster Today marks The Mummy’s anniversary! This reboot of the Boris Karloff classic debuted on May 7, 1999, and while I could’ve gone to a theatrical celebration, sadly there wasn’t one screening in my city. The reason this film stands the test of time is that it’s simply fun! It captures the true essence of what pulp fiction should represent and gives us characters I want to root for. It’s not just another Brendan Fraser film. Instead, it’s a career launcher for the other two main leads, namely Rachel Weisz and Arnold Vosloo. The former loves appearing in indie films more than mainstream ones, and the latter continues to pop up in fondly loved projects, ranging from Veritas: The Quest (which I feel deserves a reboot) and even Condor’s Nest to show the type of roles that challenge him as a Hollywood actor.

However, I must note that Kevin J. O’Connor stole the show. As a cowardly and conniving Beni Gabor, without him, I doubt the search for The Mummy’s treasures would’ve been known, and although Evie was the reason for his awakening, both had important roles to play! Continue reading “Stephen Sommers’s The Mummy at 25 Years!”

Catching up with Brinke Stevens. From Scream Queen to The Night Jane Went Insane, and Director, She’s Doing It All!

In what get get to learn in part two of this look at The Night Jane Went Insane is in how it connects to Brinke Stevens personal interests.

Brinke Stevens and Ed Sum Brinke Stevens really needs no re-introduction. I met her a long time ago, and when I heard she would return to Victoria, BC for another convention, I interviewed her. Because I’m a fan of scream queens from the 80s, I was more than thrilled when the opportunity was made available. Plus, when I see that she’s keeping busy with new projects, from more scary stories to even serious ones, I’m glad she’s showing no signs of slowing down. She’s a different kind of wonder woman.

She’s no longer that “nubile coed” from long ago and the reason is not about ageism in the entertainment industry. It’s about respect. These days, she’s getting offers to play characters whose profession is that of a doctor, lawyer or even a sheriff! The films might still be campy, and that’s okay. For her, “It’s really fun to be in roles that’s more about female empowerment,” stated this actress.

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[Victoria Fringe 2023] Introducing Pico’s Puppet Palace and Their Second Play, Pico and the Golden Lagoon

Balancing deliverying positive messages about how to respect the earth can be challenging, and in what Pico and the Golden Lagoon delivers balances family friendly entertainment with a message for all ages.

Sally Miller and Pico, Together, Forever

Pico and the Golden Lagoon continues in what Pico’s Puppet Palace excels in, to prove that you don’t have to depend on buying products to create puppets and items needed for their show. This regional theatre duo who wants to teach children the importance of environmentalism and being kind to one another.

This biplane pilot who does parcel deliveries around the world gets into some crazy situations! Although he only has two pulp style adventures under his belt, I’m sure more tales are planned. After the successful Pico Under the Coral Sea which toured Vancouver Island and beyond to great success, to have another tale detailing his life in the skies is the next logical step.

During a mail run, this aviator’s plane is nearly out of gas. He’s lucky to land safely by a deserted island, but when he realises he’s alone, that’s not good! Not even the local fauna, who amusingly can talk, want to help. He’ll have to make a smoke signal or hope someone lives in the cabin he spotted while descending. All of that is amusing, but if they don’t have fuel, how will he leave?

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