Exhibits coming to life at a museum was a fun idea the first time around. The second time : EPIC FAIL. After the huge success of its predecessor, a second installment was inevitable. With most of the original cast returning to make their second appearances, I actually had high hopes for this film. However, after watching this feature, it was plain to see that Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian was just another one of Hollywood’s attempts at making money by covering up a lame storyline with a massive budget of special effects and CGI.

It was really unfortunate considering the star power that this film had at its disposal. Ben Stiller returns as Larry Daley, the museum’s night watchman, but never quite lives up to his expectations. Stiller was wooden and mechanical, and he looked as if he were in it for the paycheck rather than for his entertainment value. Robin Williams and Owen Wilson were used so sparingly that it was a complete waste of money to cast them in this film at all. William shows up for a short scene or two without ever really being a part of the plot and Wilson is basically used as a plot filler rather than a true character in the script. With such a load of talent, I was appalled to see them utilized so sparsely.

Despite all the sub-par acting, there was a lone bright spot in the film who’s name was Amy Adams (Amelia Earhart). Adams is easily the best character in this movie who employs her charm and genuinely fun nature to help brighten up what was otherwise a dull and sullen cast. With little help from her peers however, Adam’s performance is overlooked and ultimately lost in the horrible muck which N.A.T.M boasted as their script. Another notable character was Hank Azaria, who plays Kah Mun Rah. He had put together a few good scenes, but there were many moments where I felt he overplayed his character and tried too hard to be funny rather than let it just come naturally. Some of the dialogue involving his character get particularly annoying during the final scenes of the film.

Overall, Night at the Museum : Battle of the Smithsonian was just another one of Hollywood’s summertime ploys and making some serious dough. With its star studded cast, and past film’s success, it rode out boldly onto the red carpet with one thing in mind : Make Money. If you haven’t seen it yet, I suggest you wait for its release on DVD. If you already have spent your money, your just another sucker like me, who got pulled into a rather mediocre production.

Synopsis:

Ben Stiller returns as Larry Daley, the unfortunate night watchman who continues to encounter living and breathing museum exhibits in Night at the Museum 2: Escape From the Smithsonian, 20th Century Fox’s tent-pole sequel from director Shawn Levy. Scott Frank, Robert Ben Garant, and Thomas Lennon provide the script, with Chris Columbus returning to handle producing duties. Amy Adams (Enchanted) and Hank Azaria join the returning cast of Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais, and Owen Wilson in the 1492 and 21 Laps Entertainment co-production. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide