Night at the Museum

Released 17th December 2006, Night at the Museum follows Larry Daley as he takes on a new job, the night guard of New York’s Natural History Museum, where the museum (literally) comes to life at night. Being a museum, the cast is extremely varied which enables various entertaining exchanges and interactions. This is good as the film doesn’t try to take itself too seriously; just some mindless entertainment with enough jokes to satiate an audience. Ben Stiller portrays Larry Daley with his regular comedic quarks and… not much else. He is certainly passable and hits his narrative beats of persevering through the chaos he is engulfed in, however, that’s about it.

This performance standard applies to the whole cast; Dick Van Dyke is cunning enough as Cecil, Carla Gugino is perky enough as Rebecca and Ricky Gervais is sternly comical enough as Dr McPhee. As far as child actors go, Jake Cherry does a good job as Nick Daley, Larry’s somewhat estranged son. As for standouts, Robin Williams gives a pleasantly diversified performance of Theodore Roosevelt; he is wise but also maintaining Williams’ renowned comedic chops. Then there is Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan as miniatures Jedediah and Octavius, respectively. These two give so much energy to their performances, and subsequent punchlines, with their scenes entirely stealing the show and allowing clever jokes of varying sizes.

Despite the film’s frank lack of effort in its performances and script, the visual effects are surprisingly good, with the only drawbacks being some noticeable green screening. This standard carries over into the soundtrack which, whilst generally memorable and awe striking, is overtly bombastic at certain points. Overall Night at the Museum is an enjoyable viewing for the family with its comedy, historical elements and simple story.