‘Mummies’: A very entertaining adventure

Much has been said about how 2022 was the boom year for Spanish cinema (in terms of prestige, given that it is still recovering at the box office). But We should also talk about how Spanish animation is becoming an industry in the making, which is gaining weight with greater strength and, above all, one of those with the greatest international projection. With the “Tadeo Jones” saga as a commercial reference (and the cinema of Alberto Vázquez as a reference for art and non-fiction), ‘Mummies’ is in theaters now, which aspires to become another blockbuster.

Precisely, ‘Momias’ initially resembles ‘Tadeo Jones’. And that’s not surprising, since it is directed by Juan Jesús García Galocha, better known as Galo, who was the art director of the first two installments of the franchise created by Enrique Gato; as well as having also been behind the artistic direction of the wonderful ‘Capture the flag’. And this can be seen in that “Momias” has a detail in each scenario, in each sequence, which is where Galo’s signature is best seen, which also affects the high technical and visual level achieved by Spanish animation, which could be related to that of other European industriessuch as the successful Belgian factory nWave Pictures or the German studio Ulysses Filmproduktion.

Greater merit in the case of ‘Mummies’, since it is the first feature film from Core Animation, a new animation studio ready to establish itself as one of the most important both in Spain and in Europe. Its coming out has been very high, as ‘Momias’ has been sold in more than 60 international markets, already enjoying success at the box office before landing in Spanish theaters. And, to be honest, it’s not surprising, because it’s before A splendid family proposal, ideal to enjoy both with family and friends.

Family charm and exquisite animation

‘Mummy’ has the virtue that It doesn’t try to be more than an adventure story mixing romance, music and humour. By itself, touching so many genres makes the film a more ambitious proposition than it first appears. But the key is in its screenplay, written by Jordi Gasull and Javier Barreiro, which gives up big fireworks to focus on a frenetic adventure that wins hearts thanks to the charisma of its protagonists.

Why audiences will love Thut, the ex-racer who has a vertigo problem and a fear of speed; will identify with the desire for freedom of Princess Nefer, whose voice has nothing to envy to that of the Disney princesses; he will laugh out loud with Croc, the adorable baby crocodile of Sekhem, the little brother of Thut, who will also have moments of him. Of course he has it a very bad villain, which can be read over and over, Lord Carnaby, a British archaeologist (and archetypal English classic) who seeks to plunder ancient Egyptian relics.

Along with some charismatic characters, a frantic pace, catchy songs that end up sticking in your mind, a very careful voice acting (which also shows the commitment to excellence) and magnificent animation, where detail prevails ( and where you can see the mime behind the production): ‘Momias’ is confirmation that the Spanish animation industry is a growing value. A new saga is born, a fun production for the whole family.

Note: 7

The best: Moments of humor are very funny, like the one experienced by mummies when they visit a shopping center in London.

Worse: It leaves you wanting to know more about that secret city of mummies.