Starring: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria, Bill Hader
Director: Shawn Levy
Running Time: 1 hr 44 min
Release Date: May 22, 2009
Budget: $150 million
Critics’ Thumbs Up: 43 %
“…features a wholesome charm, some truly dazzling effects…” Michelle Orange, Village Voice
“…shamelessly dumb movie…” Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle
While this sequel is basically a fancier retread of 2006’s Night at the Museum, it’s a lot of fun. Stiller as the now ex-museum guard and his old museum pals are joined by more revived historical figures as they battle a power-hungry Egyptian Pharaoh (a zestful Azaria) at Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian Institution. Like the original, it’s got silly antics and corniness, but the well-known setting provides for more fun (characters jumping in and out of famous portraits) and for stunning visual effects (the Lincoln Memorial comes to life!). Plus, it’s got talented comedic actors bringing to life legendary figures like Adam’s spunky Amelia Earhart and Hader’s foolish General Custer.
