Romantic Moment of the Week – Rick and Evelyn from The Mummy

THE FILM: The Mummy

THE PAIRING: Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) and Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz)

THE MOMENT: A Treasured First Kiss

I confess I have a weakness for action-adventure films. Especially when the film has the perfect amount of romance with a dash of humor. The Mummy perfectly captures that recipe and is one of my go-to favorites for action, comedy, and romance. The film features a ruggedly handsome American adventurer, a brilliant librarian with her own adventurous streak, and a supporting cast of comically delightful characters that bring levity at just the right moments. If you have not seen The Mummy, proceed with caution. There are SPOILERS below.

If you’re not familiar with The Mummy, here is a quick rundown. The film centers around the inadvertent resurrection of an ancient Egyptian priest, Imhotep. See, Imhotep was deeply in love with Anck-su-Namun. However, she was the Pharoah’s mistress. No other man was permitted to touch her. So, Imhotep and Anck-su-Namun did what all star-crossed lovers do. They murdered the Pharoah. Imhotep escapes, but Anck-su-Namun was killed by the Pharoah’s guards. During Imhotep’s attempt to resurrect her, he is also captured. Imhotep is mummified alive and sentenced to eternal punishment.

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Thousands of years later, on an expedition to the fabled city of Hamunaptra, Evelyn Carnahan, her brother Jonathan, and their guide, Rick O’Connell, discover a very “juicy” mummy. Another group of explorers discovers the Book of the Dead. Of course, Evelyn’s unquenchable curiosity about the Book of the Dead results in Imhotep’s resurrection when she reads aloud from it. Imhotep then embarks on a spree of death and destruction to regenerate his powers. Oh, did I mention that Imhotep has chosen Evelyn to be his sacrifice to resurrect Anck-su-Namun?

Amidst the horror of the mummy and a race to save all humanity, Rick and Evelyn begin to fall in love.

THE LEAD IN – Surviving The Mummy

The Mummy is certainly not lacking in romantic moments. In fact, the film is replete with romance; deftly entwined with the action of the film. Truly, Rick and Evelyn’s beautifully paced romance is the heart of the film. Thus, I thought it fitting to highlight a few, smaller romantic moments to take us through Rick and Evelyn’s journey. Such as the moment Rick catches sight of Evelyn in new clothes. His expression is the epitome of a man figuratively falling to his knees.

Rick is staring at Evelyn as if he is seeing her for the first time. He’s star-struck, his gaze frankly appreciative. Evelyn blushes as she looks down. Yet, she can’t help but smile warmly at Rick.

Later, in a super cute move, Rick gives Evelyn a gift. He fumbles through the delivery, telling her it’s something he “borrowed” from their American friends. Then, he fidgets and blushes furiously. Rick stammers something nearly incoherent. Finally, Rick makes his escape, thoroughly embarrassed but before Evelyn opens his gift.

Evelyn is speechless when she opens her gift.  She stares down at the set of tools in wonder. Then, as she looks towards Rick, there is a spark of knowledge. Evelyn is already a little bit in love with Rick!

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The sparks continue to fly as their connection grows stronger. It isn’t long before they are arguing like an old married couple. Through it all, Imhotep rains down his destruction. Ultimately, he traps Rick and Evelyn. He offers Evelyn a deal. Come with him and her friends will live. To save her friends, Evelyn decides to surrender. So, she tells Rick to find a way to save her. Confused, Rick’s head snaps to her and she meets his gaze unflinchingly.

Rick cannot believe she is doing this.  When Evelyn moves to Imhotep’s side, Rick utters a heartbroken no. He will save Evelyn. He will not lose her. Rick races back to Hamunaptra, surviving every obstacle Imhotep throws his way.

ROMANTIC MOMENT – Treasure is in the Eye of the Beholder

Of course, the good guys win! Evelyn, Rick and Jonathan successfully banish Imhotep back to the underworld. Hamunaptra disappears into the desert, taking its treasure along with it. Jonathan grumbles about once again leaving a site empty-handed. Rick disagrees, looking down at Evelyn, his gaze soft and warm. He studies her profile in the setting sun. He doesn’t hide what he’s feeling as he drinks her in.

Evelyn realizes he’s referring to her and she looks up at him.

Her expression is equally soft as she meets his eyes. This man crossed a desert and battled unknown forces for her soul. For goodness sakes, the man gifted her a set of stolen archeological tools! Evelyn knows a treasure when she sees one.

The setting sun bathes them in a warm glow as their lips meet. After the adventure of Hamunaptra and the defeat of an immortal ancient Egyptian priest, their first kiss is beyond perfection. Above all, Rick and Evelyn’s first kiss is deeply romantic and sigh-inducing. However, it’s also the fulfillment of a silent promise and a sign of what’s to come. Just check out the sequel, The Mummy Returns!

Bonus!  There was nose-nuzzling!

I adore Rick and Evelyn and their journey is worth watching over and over and over……

Do you enjoy adventure films with a healthy dose of romance? What do you think of Rick and Evelyn’s romance? Share your thoughts with me below!

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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