The Mummy

Universal's Dark Universe is unleashed in typically bombastic style with the millionth reincarnation/adaptation of The Mummy (approx'.) Hollywood's love affair with the 'shared universe' is set to continue but this has a pretty tasty feel to it, promising a fun team up with some classic villains and maybe, at some point, the introduction of a Van Helsing hero character.

This first instalment is far better than many will anticipate. Fast, action-y, creepy (but suitable for little ones) and stacked, old-skool style, with adventure this is a classic family Blockbuster.

It trumps the last Mummy films by a fair stretch and also gives us genuine A-list-ness with messrs Cruise and Crowe in tow (set to continue in their juicy roles as well.)

There are nods to the future (the vampire skull, webbed hand and the identity of Crowe's character which I won't spoil here) and, as always with a Cruise vehicle, the customary real-world action is here in spades (a plane crash! A car crash! An underwater bit!)

Yes, it's predictable and, yes, it has a fair amount of inconsistencies and a chunky couple of Macguffins (not quite plot-ruining or truly undefined mercifully.)

Stars of the show here are The Mummy herself: Sofia Boutella, who plays menacing but also strangely sympathetic, especially given the shady motives of the supporting characters, and Annabelle Wallis, always destined for great things after Peaky Blinders and continuing her winning streak with her Lara Croft-esque archaeologist.

Somewhat surprisingly, I'm keen to see where this goes next and, whilst I'm sure there'll be some clunkers on the way, this could be a fun series of films.

3 stars ***