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Killing a mummy may prove difficult to do, but the makers of the third installment of the Mummy movies proves you can kill a franchise. Not to mention, this movie, which sports a father son story line, very much repeats in the same fashion as the tired Indiana Jones movie just out.

While there are some redeeming qualities, those of which star the Asian powerhouse team of Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh, the “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” is tired, and lack luster. While the special effects and the action are elevated, the over all pace and feel of the move is tired.

Taking place seven years after the second installment “The Mummy Returns,” the film takes place in China with Rick played by Fraser battling a massive army of terra cotta soldiers led by the Dragon Emperor, played by Jet Li. The Emporer was cursed into suspended animation by a beautiful sorceress, played by Yeoh. This movie incidentally has no mummies in it.

Aside from some very cool CGI special effects, the story line proves to be a rehash of formula, and the talents of Li and Yeoh are undeniably wasted.

The movie starts with Rick O’Connell living the domestic life, retired from the archeological life, is too easily persuaded to help Rick’s brother in law Johathan and son Alex whom are in Shang hai. The two have stumbled upon the long sought after tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

The story is complete with a magic elixir, a secret stone, and only one way to kill the Dragon Emperor. While they try to revive some of the former magic of the American bravado, the film still comes up short, as old tricks die hard.

While Fraser is only able to revive the original charm of the original character, he is drowned out by too many feature actors. Monica Bello, who replaced Rachel Weisz ( can you say Oscar?) seems to modern to be playing in a period piece, and does not do action very well. Ford, as Alex, is on the annoying side, and only time will tell whether it was the role or the actor.

As for Li, he only appears in human form in the beginning of the movie and at the end. There really is not much screen time where you get to appreciate him, as the majority of the movie is covered by a CG Emperor. Both Asian actors do not benefit from the highly scripted characters or the heavy costuming.

They say that the third time is a charm, but in this case, three’s a crowd. Special effects alone cannot make a movie. When will they learn that flash is no substitute for a good story line? The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor starts August 1, 2008.