A whimsical, energetic throwback to a style of movies long since lost, Night at the Museum is a wonderful family effort from Shawn Levy. Witty dialogue, memorable characters, and spectacular effects highlight this piece of escapist entertainment. Kids will have a blast, and adults will simply sit back and enjoy this innovative, soon-to-be Hollywood favorite.
Rapidly establishing its lead with Ben Stiller playing Larry Daley, the pacing is spot on as he takes a job at the Natural History Museum to appease his ex, who feels he’s going nowhere. While this leads to a moral lesson at the end, Daley’s personal issues are sent into the background to make room for the wild adventure inside the confines of his new place of employment.
Night at the Museum avoids many of the clichés typical of many fantastical films of this nature. Daley accepts that the museum comes alive at night with little explanation. An amulet causes the attractions to fill with life and the movie continues on. While Daley second guesses his new job, he quickly adapts, and his solutions to some of the tormenting living wax creations are hilarious.
This is unusual for a modern Hollywood effort. Movies today tend to go on and on about why things are, convoluting the plot and creating plot holes. Museum is fine with saying “it just is.” The suspension of disbelief is easily crafted in this manner, and helps keep the kids in their seats as the special effects take hold of their imaginations.
Employing loads of computer-generated creations, the $100 million put forth to craft them was well spent. Of special note are a set of lions that are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. A wailing T-Rex skeleton is the highlight of the trailers, and deservedly so. It’s an inspired creation.
Alongside Ben Stiller is an excellent supporting cast, including Robin Williams (surprisingly under control compared to his usual antics) and Owen Wilson taking part in a hilarious rivalry with a Roman enemy. Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, and Bill Cobbs are brilliant, meshing together as the previous guards Stiller’s character replaces.
Article comments
1 - Derek Fleek
Wow. Lenient are we? I didn't care for this one. Great review nonetheless.
2 - timeisprecious
it s good to watch it witg a galfriend