Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG-2009)

The problem with "high concept" sequels is that they lose the ability to surprise. When you are "wowed" by a movie, the "wow" is what you expect and that is very hard to deliver. In this case, it doesn't help that they show what would have been some neat surprises in the commercials! With all that in mind, the question is: Did this sequel overcome those problems? The answer is yes and no. This was definitely an entertaining adventure in the halls of the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, but it did not have quite the impact of the original. As the story opens, the Museum of Natural History in New York is being closed for a major overhaul and the exhibits we all know and love are being packed up and shipped to permanent storage in the National Archives (under the Smithsonian). Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) no longer works at the museum as he has managed to succeed in the "As Seen on TV" inventing business. On the last night before shipment, the exhibits sort of let him know he let them down by leaving them and off they go. Of course, problems ensue when the magical tablet brings Egyptian King Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria) back to life and Larry knows he must rescue his old friends. What follows is plenty of action and major set pieces which do a nice job showing off the Smithsonian. Hank Azaria is very funny in his role as the leader of his own "axis of evil" who is actually not all that frightening. Amy Adams joins the cast as Amelia Earhart, an excitable woman with a thirst for adventure. One of the main shortcomings of the film is that SO much is going on, it becomes difficult to follow (not the story, which is straightforward, but the action). They seem to be trying just a little too hard to get all of the various parts of the Smithsonian involved. Did I like this movie? Absolutely. It is a lot of fun and the kids certainly enjoyed. I just found the massive advertising gave away too many of the bits that should have been surprising. The cast all delivered and Ben Stiller actually was reduced to being a foil for Hank Azaria and Amy Adams. Go see it, just don't expect to be blown away.

Grade: B-

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