This is probably one of the worst movies I've ever seen. A real waste of money and time. How a director/producer can take a decent actor and make a dumb movie is beyond me...why waste the time. The plot never made it and the characters were just not there. Make it short--don't buy it.

I have a great taste in movies, and this is by far the worst movie I have ever seen!! It is so so boring! Not even Cristopher Lee's performance could save it!!! Just plain dumb, not even funny! Dont waste your time!

I had never heard of this movie until three days ago, but given my interest in the original "Highlander" (which Russell Mulcahy also directed), a like of the Sommers Mummy movies and an appreciation of Christopher Lee movies I decided to give 1999s TALE OF THE MUMMY a chance.
I am glad I did! This movie was not at all scary but like the Sommers original MUMMY movie a lot of fun with a good dose of suspense, intrigue and (something the other movie lacked) a great twist in the end.
Actually, in some respects I prefer this Jason Scott Lee fantasy adventure horror suspense movie.
Firstly in addition to the prelude which includes the Lee cameo, there were a number of recognizable names from British cinema - notably Honor Blackman, Jack Davenport and Sean Pertwee.
The movie lacked the flashy special effects of its more famous counterpart, but what it lacked in effects it more than makes up for in plot and real suspense. In many ways it is a superior movie with some great performances by all the principals - including the very beautiful Louise Lombard (who I felt bore a striking resemblance to Amanda Tapping of STARGATE SG-1 fame). Jack Davenport (often mentioned in fan circles as a possible replacement for Pierce Brosnan for the part of 007) also made an impression as a English detective attempting to solve a series of grisly murders in the British capital.
The story begins in 1940 with an expedition to Egypt. Sir Richard Turkel (Lee) is excited to hear that after nine months of digging, an entrance has been discovered to a tomb. Moments later however it is up to Turkel to sacrifice his own life in a (successful) attempt to seal off the tomb for (he hopes) all eternity.
Skip forward 59 years (it's never explained why it took over half a century) and Sir Richard's granddaughter Sam Turkel (Lombard) is on the verge of entering the tomb first discovered by her illustrious ancestor. The tomb we learn is that of Talos, a Greek religious cult leader who was sent into exile for practicing dark magic, and who subsequently found a new home in the Pharoah's Egyptian court.
The finds are transported back to London where they are put on display at the British Museum. Then, after what is believed to be a "break-in" a series of paticularly gruesome murders begin across the city.
The murder mystery is an interesting element in this movie, something that is missing from the Fraser-Weisz vehicle that was playing to packed theaters that summer. In fact, without giving too much away it's interesting how this mystery develops in the closing moments of TALE OF THE MUMMY.
Overall, I found this a very entertaining and enjoyable movie that should satisfy not only fantasy horror fans, but also mystery fans. Highly underrated it makes good use of location shooting and offers strong production values and an intelligent, engaging plot. You may not have heard of TALE OF THE MUMMY before but one things for sure - you will not soon forget it.
Recommended.

Russell Mulcahy's flashy retelling of the mummy legend is to be credited for its unusual approach to a timeworn legend. It's a visually stunning film, but it ultimately is empty and hollow. Credit the screenwriters, too, for their mystery-serial killer aspect, as it proves to be the ultimate red herring in the unexpected climax. Jason Scott Lee IS pretty wooden, and a more believable hero would have upped the movie's effect. Louise Lombard does well as Sam Turkel, the descendant of Christopher Lee's Sir Richard. Sean Pertwee as the demented (or is he) Brad Cortese chews up the screen and most of the time is very hard to understand, heavily accented and manic. Lysette Anthony (Krull, TV's Dark Shadows remake) is lovely as Clare, the doctor, and her ultimate role pretty unexpected. Jack Davenport's partner to Lee is good, and should have had Lee's role. And where in the world did Shelly Duvall come from, and exactly what is her role?
Lots of confusing plot loops, but maintains a chilling atmosphere and is ultimately entertaining, on a visceral level.

The majority of the previous reviews sums up this film very neatly with one recurring word: Boring!

This movie is bad. I don't mean bad like "Plan 9 from Outer Space," either. I mean "bad" like watching the made-for-TV version of the Sioux Falls telephone directory.

Unless you're a hard-core collector of mummy movies (like me), I suggest you save your time and money. Or at least you should get something that's so dreadful you can laugh at it with some friends -- "Mars Needs Women" comes to mind. This dog, however, would put a cup of expresso into a coma. Unless, of course, an occasional shot of mobile mummy wrappings flying through the air or slinking along the ceiling, and a three-second sneer at the end from a Jason Scott Lee with pointy canines sets your adrenalin to rushing...