Reviewed by Steven D. Greydanus | posted 5/22/2009 08:29AM
The best set piece in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian is probably Larry Daley's wild flight through the National Air and Space Museum riding the original Wright Flyer with an animated waxwork ...
My family and I thought this movie was really cute and funny! Can't wait for it to come out on video.
rebekah
Posted: June 20, 2009 4:22 PM
I JUST LOVE IT SO MUCH.
Steve
Posted: June 18, 2009 10:54 AM
It must be hard being a critic! You're thinking WAY too hard. This movie is just schtick. Fun schtick. It's not supposed to be Schindler's List. Relax and stop taking it all so seriously. I do agree though that Amy Adams stole the show!
Mike
Posted: June 15, 2009 11:38 AM
Wow, harsh review! Agree that it was just a movie, it was watered-down to be kid-friendly, and provided a good diversion for a couple of hours. This review felt like you were looking way too hard for flaws.
Melissa
Posted: June 12, 2009 5:43 PM
Not entertaining? Really?!? Wow, I feel like I must have seen a different movie than some of you. I thought this movie was great fun, with a lot of action. I guess all the technical stuff about plot holes may be true, and I agree that it wasn't quite as good as the original, but overall I found it highly entertaining. The characterization issues didn't bother me because we already met these guys in the first film. Larry's son, Nicky, probably could have been used a little more, but other than that, no complaints here. A great summer movie for families!
Patrick Gann
Posted: June 12, 2009 2:25 PM
"Dude, its just a movie! It doesn't have to be accurate, just entertaining." Too bad it's not entertaining either.
Brian
Posted: June 05, 2009 12:22 AM
I agree with the review. This film had no heart and soul to it. It never managed to create a real connection with me, nor the rest of the audience I was in when I saw it. Stiller's character is hardly likeable nor are many of the exhibits. The only reason I rooted for "the good guys" in this film was because I was eager to see Azaria's character go on another lisping rant, which made sitting through the film slightly less frustrating. Lots of bells and whistles, but no care was taken to give the characters or relationships any lasting value.
Sylvia
Posted: May 29, 2009 10:51 PM
I loved this movie. So hilarious. Everyone was laughing out loud. Great family entertainment. I will see this movie many times.
Emily
Posted: May 29, 2009 9:25 AM
Honestly, I'm not a big fan of slapstick humour, so there were quite a few parts that I really disliked (slapping monkeys comes to mind right away) but on the whole I really enjoyed the film. Yes, there were MANY glaring plot holes (why didn't Larry just take the tablet back and return for his friends later? And WHY wasn't a new night watch man hired for the New York museum?) and, given time, a much better story could have been developed. But, for the most part, I did enjoy this film. For some reason, historical figures running around and interacting with each other just makes me very happy-- so I was very willing to look past the negatives of this movie in favor of the positives.
As for Larry and his new job; it seemed as though his friends were more upset that he didn't visit as often as he used to, not that he had given up his job as night watchman that upset them. (It had been a few months since he last saw them when the movie started)
Tom B
Posted: May 28, 2009 7:08 PM
Whoa, who put vinegar in your coffee creamer?
It's supposed to be fun, like, you know, fun.
Maybe you should stick with s-e-r-i-o-u-s movies.
Benjamin
Posted: May 26, 2009 4:45 PM
I have to agree with Christopher, it's just a movie and a family one at that. I thought it was a fun roller coaster ride of a movie. I laughed out loud a lot in particular at General Custer. I thought it was really funny when all the art exhibits came alive and the Napolean short jokes were histerical. Hank Azaria's speech impediment was funny also. Here he is this really bad guy and he lisps. My daughter and my wife both enjoyed this movie and it was nice not to have to be on my guard for objectionalbe material. It was a good time at the movies for me and my family. Movie reviewers really need to relax and enjoy the show and stop over thinking things. It is supposed to be mindless entertainment.
DJ
Posted: May 26, 2009 1:45 PM
I liked this movie, too, as did my son (18); yes, Mom and kid went together on Memorial Day! We both thought the original was better, and we both would have really liked to see more of Robin Williams, and neither of us were crazy about General Custer, but all in all it was an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours, and at least we weren't subjected to the "f" word every second sentence which some films seem to think is necessary for any allegedly comic flick .... not.
Christopher
Posted: May 25, 2009 1:32 AM
Dude, its just a movie! It doesn't have to be accurate, just entertaining. Also it's a family movie and I don't think the parents want to explain all the historical details to the kids during the film. I thought it was fun, charming, and lots of people don't know whom some of those figures in history are.
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