NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (2006)

Directed By: Shawn Levy 
Story & Written By: Thomas Lennon & Robert Ben Garant 
Based On The Book By: Milan Trenc 
Cinematography: Guillermo Navarro 
Editor: Don Zimmerman 


Cast: Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs, Jake Cherry, Ricky Gervais, Rami Malek, Kim Raver, Paul Rudd, Anne Meara, Steve Coogan 


A newly recruited night security guard at the Museum of Natural History discovers that an ancient curse causes the animals and exhibits on display to come to life and wreak havoc.

It seems like every time I see this movie a piece of me dies. It’s a good thing I try not to see it too often. I don’t have kids yet. This would be perfect entertainment for them, but for adults it might be a little harder to swallow.

It’s not a horrible movie. It moves at a brisk pace. Not really boring and kind of amusing in a sappy way. That maybe one doesn’t want to feel. As it feels you are taken advantage of rather then a film being honest with you. It feels like some kind of trickery.

Maybe for me this is not my type of film. It’s not aimed at me or any of my interests. It’s for kids with a wink and a smile for adults sitting through it.

It has that type of magical ending that is supposed to wrap you in a warm feeling of joy and happiness at the outcome. Made to put a smile on your face. Some films like this that magic actually works other times like this movie at least for me. It just comes off as sappy.

The real tragedy here is that It’s films like these are the only time you see comedy veterans who you dream of working together on the big screen and they have to be PG rated getting to see dick van dyke and Mickey Rooney on screen together is truly one of the few treats this film has up it’s Sleeves that works.

I realize the paychecks and exposure are a big lure to doing these type of films but I also like to think by doing these films they expose themselves to a younger audience who as they get older remember them and get nostalgic about these comedic greats and discover them and their true material.

This film is pure fantasy and mostly CGI effects that never come alive. One understands the need for it in movies such as this but doesn’t make anyone a particular fan of it.

This films has it all a love story, physical comedy, a father son story. A stepfather son story, a special effects extravaganza. It’s cute and enjoyable as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into. It’s hard to believe that the guys behind the show RENO 911 wrote this.

I am torn with films like this which by all means I should hate, but there is nothing over the top bad about the film. It’s filmed well the performances are ok. It has a little charm even though you get the feeling that everything in the film is manufactured nothing feels deep or real but then again It’s a popcorn film.

The film is a love letter to youth. All the fantasies you wished for or hoped were true. It also works a bit as nostalgia. In modern day being able to relive and be part of history.

Seeing the magic in all the exhibits you hope for or wish were as exciting on a field trip. As it also packs the danger and adventure of someplace new and unexplored. Usually reserved for being stuck in a toy store but here the film tries to make history or learning about it fun and interesting. Showing the hidden treasures of learning about the past.

GRADE: C