A T-Rex skeleton, statues of Attila the Hun and Teddy Roosevelt, and stuffed lions are among the exhibits that come to life in Night at the Museum, creating havoc for the new night guard.
Since he’s played by Ben Stiller, there are laughs. But otherwise, you’ve seen the concept before, in Jumanji (1995).
Stiller is Larry Daley, a divorced dreamer who has trouble holding down jobs.
When he’s threatened with losing his son, Larry takes whatever job comes along. It’s the night guard at the Museum of Natural History in New York.
On his very first night, Larry discovers an incredible secret: an ancient Egyptian artefact – the Tablet of Ahkmenrah – brings all the exhibits in the museum to life from sunset to sunrise.
Larry must quickly learn how to control the chaotic exhibits while uncovering a sinister plot by the museum’s retiring security guards – Cecil, Gus and Reginald (played by veteran Hollywood actors Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney and Bill Cobbs) – to steal the tablet for its life-giving magic.
Film special effects have become so commonplace, but it’s still amusing to watch the skeleton of a T-Rex sip from a drinking fountain, and tiny men battle from competing dioramas – Owen Wilson plays a miniature cowboy named Jedediah from a Wild West diorama and Steve Coogan is Octavius, a Roman general from an adjacent display, and the pair wage a tiny, continuous war against each other.
There’s also a mischievous capuchin monkey named Dexter, who constantly torments Larry by stealing his keys and biting his nose.
Yet there’s a tired aspect to this saga, along with some inconsistencies.
The statues aren’t the real Roosevelt and Attila. Teddy even admits he’s a wax mannequin. So, how are they empowered with the original personalities and knowledge of the characters?
If you find yourself worrying about such things, you’ll probably be a bit bored.
Thankfully, Stiller generates humour, as does Robin Williams, well-cast as Roosevelt. But it’s not enough.
The film launched a major franchise, including two sequels – Battle of the Smithsonian (2009) and Secret of the Tomb (2014) – and an animated spin-off film, Kahmunrah Rises Again.
Larry Daley
Ben Stiller Rebecca
Carla Gugino Cecil
Dick Van Dyke Gus
Mickey Rooney Reginald
Bill Cobbs Nick Daley
Jake Cherry Dr McPhee
Ricky Gervais Teddy Roosevelt
Robin Williams Erica Daley
Kim Raver Attila the Hun
Patrick Gallagher Ahkmenrah
Rami Malek Christopher Columbus
Pierfrancesco Favino Taxi Driver
Charlie Murphy Octavius
Steve Coogan Sacagawea
Mizuo Peck Neanderthal #1
Kerry van der Griend Neanderthal #2
Daniel Joseph Rizzuto Neanderthal #3
Matthew Harrison Neanderthal #4
Jody Racicot Don
Paul Rudd Debbie
Anne Meara Jedediah
Owen Wilson Merriweather Lewis
Martin Christopher William Clark
Martin Sims
Director
Shawn Levy
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Since he’s played by Ben Stiller, there are laughs. But otherwise, you’ve seen the concept before, in Jumanji (1995).
Film special effects have become so commonplace, but it’s still amusing to watch the skeleton of a T-Rex sip from a drinking fountain, and tiny men battle from competing dioramas – Owen Wilson plays a miniature cowboy named Jedediah from a Wild West diorama and Steve Coogan is Octavius, a Roman general from an adjacent display, and the pair wage a tiny, continuous war against each other.
The statues aren’t the real Roosevelt and Attila. Teddy even admits he’s a wax mannequin. So, how are they empowered with the original personalities and knowledge of the characters?
