Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Splits Critics With Polarizing Reviews and a Lukewarm Rotten Tomatoes Score

So, Lee Cronin's 'The Mummy' is finally stomping into theaters this week—and both the movie and the reviews are making some noise. If you were expecting a critical lovefest because of Cronin’s track record, think again. The response is, to put it mildly, all over the place. But before we get into the weeds, here's what you need to know if you're thinking about catching it this weekend.

The Rotten Tomatoes Score: Not Exactly Legendary

Let’s start with the numbers. On Rotten Tomatoes, 'The Mummy' landed at a 59%—a far cry from the high 80s that Cronin scored with 'The Hole in the Ground' and 'Evil Dead Rise.' If you’re the type of horror fan who swears by the Tomatometer, that might sound like a disappointment. But, as usual, the real story is in the details.

What Are Critics Actually Saying?

Reviews are a real mixed bag. Here’s the gist, in plain English:

• High marks for gore, visuals, and weirdness: Even critics who weren’t totally on board admitted the film goes hard with the scares, blood, and general visual insanity. No subtlety, just pure Cronin-style chaos.
• But…the story? This is where things fall flat for a lot of reviewers. If you want deep storytelling in your horror, you might not find it here.
• Too long? David Rooney at The Hollywood Reporter called it 'overlong,' but still thought it managed to be 'lurid entertainment' and bring a 'fresh take' to the whole mummy thing.
• The energy is high, but maybe one-note: Simon Abrams (AV Club) compared it to a good cover band that only knows one song—and just keeps playing it on repeat.
• Nothing like the old mummy movies: Variety’s Guy Lodge pointed out that it’s not really borrowing from any previous version of the story, and described it as 'brashly violent, clattery and pleasingly untied to any direct predecessor.' Basically: if you like your horror loud and messy, there’s a feast here.
• Maybe a little exhausting: Alonso Duralde (The Film Verdict) didn’t hold back, saying the relentless effects and gore get 'tiresome' by the end, and that the film leans way too hard on that stuff instead of mixing it up.

Is It Worth Watching?

The honest answer: It depends on what you want from your horror movies. 'The Mummy' is clearly a Cronin joint—big on blood, not so invested in plot. If you loved his previous work, you’ll probably leave happy. If you’re after a complex story or some actual emotional range, you might wish you’d picked something else.

Bottom line: this movie isn’t trying to be everyone’s cup of tea—Cronin knows his audience, and he’s serving them something bonkers. For folks who like their horror bloody, absurd, and unconcerned with storytelling 'rules,' that might be just the point.