There is a large influx of characters, relegating our original heroes primarily to the sidelines and the resulting story loses much of the heart and lighthearted fun of its predecessor. That is not to say there's nothing to enjoy, it just doesn't induce the same feelings of good will. The sense of wonder that the first had is gone here as they try to compensate with more historical figures.
Ben Stiller's performance does nothing to help matters much. His work here lacks life; for much of the film he looks tired, perhaps even bored. His sleepwalking through the museum does little to give me anything to hang onto. Larry is supposed to be our ticket in, and if he doesn't feel like being there, why should we?
The supporting cast is generally fine as they go through the motions. Amy Adams is the brightest part of the secondary characters — she is funny, charismatic, and throws herself right into the performance. Hank Azaria is a close second as he apes Boris Karloff's performance as Im Ho Tep in The Mummy (1932), what with the accent and lisp. Not to mention Bill Hader, a man who always seems to deliver the goods and has a bright future. However, we also have Owen Wilson's Jedediah, who may be even more bored than Stiller, and Robin Williams, who seems to have squeezed in his work on an off day or two.
Aside from the performances, the story fails to deliver. It gives us all the necessary pieces, but fails to give us a pleasing product upon assembly. The first film had consequences for what happened when the exhibits were awake, for the messes they made, and what could happen if caught outside. This film does not bring any of this into play, so there is no real peril.
Bottom line. This must go down as a missed opportunity. No, not a complete disappointment, but one that fails to really take off. The finished film strikes me as being hastily put together, despite the three years between films. Perhaps the third will be a rebound. (Yes, I do believe a third is in the offing)
Mildly Recommended.
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