Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Dan Stevens and Ben Kingsley are back for the third and final installment of “Night at the Museum” comedy. Our J.P. has his take.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
20th Century Fox
Directed by Shawn Levy
Produced by Shawn Levy, Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan
Screenplay by David Guion, Michael Handelman
Story by Mark Friedman, Michael Handelman, David Guion
Based on Characters created by Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon
Starring Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Dan Stevens, Ben Kingsley
Studio Synopsis:
Get ready for the wildest and most adventure-filled Night at the Museum ever, as Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) travels the globe, uniting favorite and new characters and embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever. Imagine walking into the world’s most magnificent museums, where the wonders and history of the world come to life. That was the starting point for the Night at the Museum motion pictures, which have captivated audiences globally and grossed over one billion dollars. Now, its third installment takes all of its beloved characters around the world for their greatest adventure yet. Ben Stiller reprises his role as museum guard Larry Daley, and Shawn Levy is once again at the helm, producing and directing a pantheon of comic talent. When New York’s Natural History Museum’s exhibits, which come to life at night, start to behave strangely, Larry, the newly-promoted director of nighttime operations at the Museum, must find out why. The Tablet, which magically brings the creatures to life, has started to decay and the only way to restore it may be at the British Museum. Larry, who’ll do anything to save his museum “family,” along with his son Nick and the museum exhibits, travel from New York to London, where they must discover the Tablet’s secret.
J.P.’s Take:
“Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” the final film in the series, is a lighthearted fantasy gauged for family friendly viewing, featuring many of the previous cast and a few new characters. This time, they trek to the British Museum, where they must solve the mystery of the golden tablet, which is loosing its magical powers. Those magical powers are what bring night guard Larry Daley’s (Ben Stiller) museum pals to life at night.
“Night 3” is laden with a multitude of animated museum exhibits, from the bones of dinosaurs to paintings and sculptures. Even Dexter, a capuchin monkey, is CGI-ed; displaying his unnatural and zany abilities. The special effects factor in and of itself is probably the most fun you will have watching this movie, considering the story produces nothing fresh to say. Not that I didn’t have a few good laughs here and there. Wisecracking scenes involving Ben Stiller and look alike caveman named Laa – also played by Stiller – were good for a giggle or two. I can also rely on the childlike giddiness of Owen Wilson paired with Steve Coogan as Jedediah and Octavius respectively. There is no shortage of silliness there.
Much of the story breezes by in a flash, leaving no lasting impression on its viewers after the movie is over. Part 3 will tug on the heartstrings a bit with its PG handled poignancies through out.
Some especially poignant moments stem from the late great Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt. In addition to the returning cast, newcomer Rebel Wilson chimes in with a nutty British wit in the role of night guard Tilly. Dan Stevens adds to the bubble headed fun as Sir Lancelot. Stevens’ character does manage to get a rise out the audience in a scene where he interrupts the play Camelot. This scene also involves two major stars Huge Jackman and Alice Eve, where they are confused for actual royal figures. New face Anjali Jay plays Shepsheret, doting mother of Ahkmenrah (Rami Malek). Ben Kingsley makes the most of his character as Pharaoh Merenkahre. He appeared in the “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.” A few other cast mates from both “Night at the Museum” prequels make brief appearances as well. The late great Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dyke and Bill Cobbs are present.
Over time, the old folks jokes run stale and touching moments linger a little long. In this case if you’re in elementary school, you’d find those antics note worthy. For the most part, the movie plays out like a Barnum & Bailey Ringling Bros. circus act, which would actually be somewhat more amusing than this movie.
“Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” is a cheesy giddy, if slightly fun effort to end the series. Yet it didn’t carry the same spontaneous humor as found in “Battle of the Smithsonian,” which I liked a lot more. The first “Night at the Museum” even brought some unexpected surprises. At least this one ends on a good note.