Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian / Night at the Museum 2
2009
*
Director: Shawn Levy
Cast: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria, Christopher Guest, Alain Chabat, Robin Williams, Steve Coogan, Jon Bernthal

In the years since those incredible events in the Museum of Natural History, the night watch has become a successful but unfulfilled businessman. Now his old skills are in demand again when the exhibits, including the golden tablet which brings everything to life, are moved to the massive Federal Archives at the Smithsonian Institution. The original Night at the Museum was forgettable but enjoyable family entertainment. The sequel offers more of the same on a much larger scale, and with zero inspiration. Amy Adams' perky performance is just about the only spark in this utterly joyless second outing. There is no invention to be found here, no sense of wonder and, most depressingly, no laughs. The movie is in fact so dull that the premise, which seemed acceptably fantastical the first time, now feels nonsensical and irritating. Followed by Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.