Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven
Opening this Memorial Day weekend is a sequel to a family favorite with 20th Century Fox offering of “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian”.
This film returns to the story of Larry Dailey (Ben Stiller) who is no longer the security guard of the museum. He is a big infomercial star on television who hasn’t taken time visited his museum friends in a while.
One day he takes a moment out of his hectic schedule to see his nighttime friends when Dr. McPhee (Rick Gervais) informs him that the museum is to be upgraded. What this means is that all the old displays are off to the Smithsonian for storage.
He begins to accept the fact that things have changed when he receives a telephone call from his little cowboy friend Jeddadiah (Owen Wilson). The Egyptian tablet that gives them all life has been stolen by Ahkmenrah’s (Rami Malek) big brother, Kahmunra (Hank Azaria) who’s been asleep for 3,000 and woke up particularly cranky.
Kahmunra wants to use the tablet to rule the world but Larry decides he cannot let his friends down and goes off to the Smithsonian to rescue them! His first encounter is with a very boisterous Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) who is determined to join in the adventure.
Once again Larry is confronted with history including Octavius (Steve Coogan), Abraham Lincoln, Napoleon (Alain Chabet), Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest), Al Capone (Jon Bernthal) and even a bobble headed Albert Einstein’s. Gen. Custer (Bill Hader) joins in the fight – sort of.
Larry must find a way to set things right in the Smithsonian and get his friends back to where they belong.
FINAL WORD: Stiller as Larry Dailey didn’t miss a beat, he made playing this role seem effortless. He takes a stand to do what’s right and tries to right wrongs, Stiller is known for that in many of his roles.
Adams was a delight to watch with her ditzy optimistic portrayal of Earhart. Owen and Cooper as Jeddediah and Octavius still had there on screen male macho chemistry and together it is nice to see.
Azaria as Kahmunra, the Egyptian with issues is very funny in this role. Being the straight man of evil is pure genius.
There is also the return, although briefly, of Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt, Mizuo Peck as Sacajawea, and Patrick Gallager as Attilla the Hun. Also, the museums favorite capuchin monkey Dexter is back bringing a distant relative Abe the space capuchin!
You might also recognize such faces as George Foreman, Oscar the Grouch and Darth Vadar with the voice of Brad Garrett as the Easter Island head. There is also the distinct vocal-stylings of the Jonas Brothers as three flying cherubs. Look for Jonah Hill of “Superbad” fame as well.
This marks the first time that a film is shot at the nations premiere museums. The Smithsonian is the largest and most visited museum in the world. The film had to be shot during the day because the museums themselves do not stay open – even for Hollywood.
For night scene shooting, large reproductions of the Smithsonian were built, such as the Air and Space portion of the museum.
TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” three and a half tubs of popcorn out of five. What a wonderful, fun film to see with your kids this holiday weekend. With the slam, bam blow em’ up films this is a nice break.
This film is filled with humor, friendship and even a look at history in a historical place!
Remember…when the lights go off the battle is on! | 
