RSS
Home
Night at the Museum - Battle of the Smithsonian
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Ben Stiller returns to one of his best known roles aside from the Meet the Parents series in this sequel to Night at the Museum. It is every bit as enjoyable as the first film even though some of the best elements of the first one decided to sit this one out: Carla Gugino as the former love interest and elder guards Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney and Bill Cobbs.
This time, Stiller's museum buddies that come to life only at night are being moved to the Smithsonian and the museum that he used to work at is being updated with holographic exhibits. The exhibits are none too happy about it, but are resigned to their fates. Stiller has become a high-powered business exec. He hates to see his friends go, but decides to let things be.
During the move to their new locale, the exhibits call Stiller with an urgent message and Stiller goes to the Smithsonian to see what is amiss. His son keeps in contact with him by phone and directs him through the maze of the massive Washington D.C. complex.
He runs afoul of an evil pharaoh, Kahmunrah, who has come to life and plans to unleash his minions on the unsuspecting patrons of the Smithsonian with the help of a golden plaque which has buttons to enter a secret code. Stiller teams up with an animated Amelia Earhart and his old friends to foil Kahmunrah and his assembly of historic villains that include Al Capone, Napoleon and Ivan the Terrible.
The special effects, who are the real stars, are even more impressive this time. In scenes reminiscent of Harry Potter, numerous famous paintings and photos including Nighthawks, American Gothic and the VJ Day Soldier kissing the nurse come to life.
This time, the film is completely stolen by Hank Azaria as Kahmunrah. His minions are truly amusing including Alain Chabat as an amusing Napoleon; Christopher Guest as Ivan the Terrible; and Jon Bernthal as Al Capone.
On the heroes side, Amy Adams gives a spunky, delightful performance as Amelia Earhart. She is equally adept at scene stealing as Azaria. Bill Hader is also amusing as a bumbling, but lovable General Custer. Owen Wilson and Robin Williams also return from the first film. Their roles are smaller this time, but just as memorable.
Related Articles:
Comments
