Mario Bello’s Performance In Mummy 3 Simply Stunning

I have enjoyed Mario Bello’s acting greatly ever since she entered the Cook County Emergency Room several seasons into the NBC hit series ER. Yes, she is that good. When I learned that she was to star as William H. Macy’s love interest in Cooler a few years ago, a film I already had committed to see piqued my interest even further. Naturally, she was dynamite. Even though I have great respect for Maria’s work and that of Piper Perabo, I didn’t take the time to see Coyote Ugly, which I am beginning to regret after seeing the third installment in the Mummy series last night.

Maria Bello blew me away!

I barly recognized her. She performed many of her own stunts and her English accent was quite good.

What a performance!

The film is an enjoyable romp overall, too. Jet Li has lived up to the commitment he made to himself back when he agreed to star in War – he would continue to do martial arts but not lead films anymore. Of course, when he partnered with Jackie Chan in Forbidden Kingdom, it was clear that he had decided to ease into the commitment.

Nevertheless, his appearance in Mummy is serviceable.

Rob Cohen’s directorial style is a real departure in this third film in the series but the result is good family fun. Brendan Fraser, of course, does a fine job and the location shooting is most impressive, although the Laurentian Mountains served in the place of the Himalayas.

I really missed Rachel Weisz as Evelyn Carnahan but that is for more sentimental reasons and no slight against Mario Bello. With Maria’s appearance here in the summer of 2008, she has solidified her potential as a new action star.

You must see this film!