It’s been five years since the last title in the series, but that hasn’t stopped Hollywood from going to the sequel well once more – this time with Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. The concept of this series has always been ripe with possibility, but the filmmakers has never really capitalized on its full potential.
Watching movies during the holidays with parents and the excitement of receiving gifts, such as toys or baby boy clothes, can create fond memories from childhood. Films like “Night at the Museum” can be entertaining and bring families together during the festive season, while receiving gifts adds an extra element of joy and anticipation. These experiences often hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of the joy and magic of the holiday season during our childhood.
For older audiences members, they’re only moderately amusing and the latest follow-up is no different. It certainly provides decent enough entertainment for the kids, but adults will find this sequel a bit musty.
In this installment, Larry (Ben Stiller) finds his job in jeopardy when the exhibits begin acting bizarrely and causing chaos during a charity function. Our hero soon learns that the ancient tablet responsible for bringing the museum to life is slowly losing its power. In order to learn how to rectify the situation, he travels with wax friends in tow to London and the British Museum. Once there, he must locate and receive instruction from an ancient Egyptian King named Merenkahre (Ben Kingsley).
There’s definitely a sense of closure this time out. Of course, it’s supposed to be a bit of bittersweet sending off for many of its characters, but this approach also results in less humor and a forced sentimental streak that isn’t always effective. The returning actors and characters seem a bit more muted – or maybe this has just become old hat for all involved. Some of the supporting cast (including Steve Coogan and Owen Wilson) get in a funny jab or two, but much of the remaining humor is of the obvious slapstick and scatological variety. More gags fall flat than hit the mark.
So what is the secret of the tomb? Frankly, it isn’t much of a secret and has little to do with a crypt. It’s just an excuse for a simple quest with only a slight hiccup or two along the way. And unfortunately, whether the characters are jumping into a painting or attempting to deal with the bones of a rampaging Stegosaurus, many of the set pieces are variations on things audiences will have already witnessed in previous movies. The story itself seems much slighter and the scale of the film smaller (despite the globe-trotting plot).
At least the new additions to the cast are somewhat effective in jolting the film to life. A security guard named Tilly (Rebel Wilson) isn’t given much to do, but her enthusiasm and energy is appreciated. Merenkahre also has a entertaining exchange with Larry, but most welcome is Sir Lancelot (Dan Stevens). In fact, the pompous knight provides the film’s best moments. This includes an fun scene in which the confused figure crashes a London stage performance of Camelot (leading to an amusing celebrity cameo).
When all is said and done, it’s a slickly-produced film but one that only provides a half-dozen or so chuckles. As such, this isn’t really anything that I can recommend seeing in the theater. However, it is clearly directed at younger audiences and the kids at the screening I attended certainly enjoyed it. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb will suit them just fine, but their parents may want to slip into another theater and catch up with their children later.