Night At The Museum 2 : Battle Of The Smithsonian Movie Review

Published on: 19th June, 2009

Director: Shawn Levy

Cast: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Robin Williams, Bill Hader, Hank Azaria, Ricky Gervais

Genre: Comedy

Those who were enthralled by the Christmas 2006 released,’ Night at the Museum’ that was amongst the top grosser during the time, have reason enough to be excited as the sequel is bound to keep the pre-teen spirit in you ticking.

An ex-night guard, Larry Daly played by Ben Stiller has progressed to being an accomplished ad product creator successfully leading Daley Devices. Many of the characters from the original movie make a comeback when the American Museum of Natural Science decide to go the state-of-the-art way and the primal exhibits Teddy Roosevelt played by Robin Williams, Rex, the Easter Island Head, Dexter-the Monkey, Ahkmenrah played by Rami Malek will be moved to the Archival section at the Smithsonian Institution. Larry has to speed off to Washington due to the magical tablet been accidently shipped off creating a mayhem of sorts by bringing to life a whole cluster of historically significant characters like Napolean Bonaparte, Al Capone, Amelia Earhart, Ab Lincoln to site a few. New characters inclusions like Darth Vader and Grover add to the humour quotient of the movie.

Hank Azaria who plays the lisping, unripe Kahmunrah, Ahkmenrah’s evil brother, has incredible comic timing even though he dons the lead villain role. The brilliant shots between Hank Azaria and Darth Vader are definitely worth looking out for.

To search for the Federal Archives, Larry takes the help of Amelia Earhart played by Amy Adams. Amy definitely adds the requisite zest to the movie as she effectively dishes out cheesy lines with her acting finesse.

Larry’s crazed excitement in the original movie when he first sights the museum exhibits coming to life seems lacklustre in this sequel as he is portrayed as the haughty head honcho with loads of riches and little time to spare for his son. Owen Wilson’s timely wit is truly hilarious as he mouths out ‘This cowboy just got to second base’ as Larry and Amy engage in some lip-lock and hug.

Jonah Hill definitely packs quite a punch despite having a cameo role in the movie. The sights of the soaring cherubs, the dancing musical Einstein dolls, the slapping monkeys, Jonas Brothers, the cookie monster and able-a friend of dexter, are all bound to keep the kiddie brigade engrossed.

Marvellous CGI, quite appealing, and a complete roller coaster ride with zippy action shots in quick succession are the key highlights of the film. Get honked with the engaging tussle which ensues between Kamunrah’s troops and the museum exhibits.