It’s fun to revel in the ridiculous antics (e.g. the Jonas Brothers as singing cherubs) while learning about history and other subjects. Monkey language translations, chest bumps, and Kahmunrah’s comical “axis of evil” (Ivan the Terrible, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Al Capone) get good laughs. There are some mildly hokey moments, but they’re so quick they don’t have a chance to make you squirm in your seat.
The film needs more awe-inspiring moments like the “living paintings” in the museum art galleries, though filmmakers do a great job keeping explanations and semantics to a minimum. The rapid fire summaries align with the film’s quick pace and are not forced or manipulative, especially in a key conversation near the end between Larry and the New York Museum of Natural History’s curator, Dr. McPhee, played again by Ricky Gervais in a more functional role that does not produce many laughs.
Watch the credits for some continuity gems like the cell phone Larry left in the 1945 black and white painting. This 105 minute film comes recommended with a few reservations and rated PG for mild action and brief language. Also playing in IMAX theaters.
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