Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian [Theatrical Release]

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Product Details
- Studio: 20th Century Fox

- ASIN: B001PR0Y44

Review By Mathew A. Shember (Cupertino, CA United States)

Larry Daley left the museum to start a company which sells gadgets in infomercials. I did notice his inventions came from his time as a security guard. A glowing flashlight, a key chain you can never loose, and the big dog toy. He is about to get a major deal from Walmart when he gets a call from Jeddediah who tells him they are packing up the museum. Larry visits but is too engrossed in his new business (i.e. constant cell phone and messaging) to get concerned about the denizens going into storage.

Later on he gets a panicked call from Jeddediah who tells him the Capuchin stole the tablet and now Kahmunrah brother of Ahkmenrah wants the tablet.

Larry sneaks into the museum and finds Kahmunrah has enlisted Napoleon, Ivan the Terrible and Al Capone to assist his takeover of the museum and then the world.

What's Larry to do?

I was not expecting much from this movie as the advertising hinted to me that many of the gags of the first film would return. I was going to wait for the rental but my daughter announced she wanted to see it.

My low expectations became a reality. Most of the humor was not crafted well. You will see it panders to children. My daughter loved the film but for me it just dragged on at times. Enough for me to confess I found myself dozing a couple times.

Things that I didn't like: Larry getting slapped was a theme this time. After all why get slapped by one monkey when you can have a three stooges routine with two. Some of the gag routines just went on too long. The scene with the other security guard in particular. The tablet needed a translation and for some reason they couldn't find another Egyptian to do it. The Smithsonian is almost a fortress. The way Larry get's in would be practically impossible. Nineteen buildings and no other guards are seen. General Custer was supposed to be funny but I found him annoying. Ivan, Napoleon, and Al could have been much better. Did I mention some gags were too long?

Things I liked: The background shots with the museum stuff coming to life were good! I especially liked what they did with the art and photos. Amy Adams did a great job as Amelia Earhart. Hank Azaria was great as the lisping Kahmunrah. The Horis guards were good but one scene pandered to children. I liked the action at the Air Space Museum.

Don't get me wrong. It's not a horrible film. There are a couple funny spots and there were good ideas in the film but why let that get in the way of pandering to children.

I would give the film one star but I will have to give it two since my daughter liked the film.