ROUNDUP REVIEW: MUMMIES: SECRETS OF THE PHARAOHS

(3 stars)

"Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs" (through February 2008 at the Museum of Science and Industry Omnimax) is an entertaining mix of science, travelogue of modern dig sites, CGI re-creations of ancient people constructing those sites and Victorian-era explorers seeking them. Egyptophiles will enjoy it. Preschool-age Egyptophiles at a recent screening seemed to get a little squirmy despite its 40-minute run time.

Christopher Lee has a perfect voice for narration and - before he wielded magic as "The Lord of the Rings'." Saruman, or a lightsaber as "Star Wars'." Count Dooku - he played the mummy Kharis in 1959's "The Mummy."

Scientists include Bob Brier, who created a modern mummy using ancient techniques and a body donated to science; Angelique Corthals, whose research into ancient DNA seeks to cure modern ills; and Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, who last year negotiated for an Egyptian sarcophagus, previously kept in the office of Exelon chief executive John Rowe, to be lent to the Field Museum indefinitely.

Ancient Egyptians appear, some as mummies, some brought to life by actors. Rameses the Great is probably the best known. He ruled for 67 years, from age 25, and many sites the movie visits were built in his reign. Scholars believe he was pharaoh when Moses led his people from Egypt. As the film says, he is probably the only person named in the Bible whose face still can be seen on Earth.

Omnimax doesn't add a lot to the film. Sitting lower and more centered in the theater helps maximize the effect to display the size of some sites; sit too far back, and images can seem distorted.

No MPAA rating (family).

- Michael Esposito

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