I think originally these characters were just meant to be stock characters who were just fodder for Imhoptep, but I actually found them likeable and interesting and felt sad when they were all killed off. Especially Mr. Henderson and Daniels. I credit the actors for this primarily.
shareYes, these Americans seem to be pretty popular. I like them too, but I do wonder if they would have been liked as much is they hadn't been American. I think their very American attitude speaks to many American viewers, maybe moreso than if they had been foreigners.
Personally, I liked them because, despite being minor characters, the actors were able to give them some personality and despite being sort of antagonists, they showed a brave side. But I have to say, I found Beni more enjoyable and interesting as a character and wished he would've lived, despite him being a traitor. I do think this movie does a good job of portraying different nationalities equally, making fun of them all, with none of them being superior over the other. Unlike the Indiana Jones movies, which I just can't enjoy for this reason.
The Americans weren't that nice. If anyone remembers, didn't they send men to their deaths during the dig when they realised how dangerous things got? They also enjoyed shooting people just for the hell of it. They were actually pretty cutthroat and ambitious. Not what I would call good guys.
"You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you." Mr Darcy
Sorry I'm late here, but I agree with the OP. I always liked the three Americans, and for the same reason as the OP and others here. If you think about it, they weren't really any worse than O'Connell and his team.
Yes, these Americans seem to be pretty popular. I like them too, but I do wonder if they would have been liked as much is they hadn't been American. I think their very American attitude speaks to many American viewers, maybe moreso than if they had been foreigners.I agree with this poster here on all points. Except I wouldn't even call them antagonists. They're the rivals, but that's all.
Personally, I liked them because, despite being minor characters, the actors were able to give them some personality and despite being sort of antagonists, they showed a brave side.
The Americans weren't that nice. If anyone remembers, didn't they send men to their deaths during the dig when they realised how dangerous things got? They also enjoyed shooting people just for the hell of it. They were actually pretty cutthroat and ambitious. Not what I would call good guys.To this poster, it was actually the Egyptologist's idea to have the diggers pry open the chest containing the book, and even then he and the Americans had no way of knowing that the chamber would be booby trapped with the acid. As for "shooting people for the hell of it", where did you get that idea? Are you referring to them shooting the Medjay warriors on the boat and then again in the desert when Ardeth Bey told them to leave? O'Connell was also shooting at them, and for the same reason--self defense!
This is one element that make the movie magical. There isn't a single character you couldn't sympathize or feel sorry with at some point in the movie. Imhotep, with his tragic backstory, only seeks to reunite with his sweetheart. Even Benny, who does bad things out of cowardice and greed, horrified by his Imhotop's action.
As you said, while the Americans may be rivals, they are not portrayed as enemies. Each of them could replace the main character, and we find ourselves cheering them on. In the movie you can see they don't different than any member from O'Connell team.
As someone who wears glasses, I completely sympathize with Burns. I can't imagine myself in Hamunaptra without my glasses; it would be a nightmare. What adds to the tragedy of their fate is the realization that it could just as easily have been the other team opening the chest, which also comprises members who do not believe in the supernatural.