Night at the Museum 2
Saw it today. I was a little surprised that I didn’t hate it. In fact I not only didn’t hate it, I discovered that it made me laugh on more than one occasion.
This movie serves its purpose well I thought. It is a silly family film sort of like the silly Disney family films I used love as a kid in the 70′s. We went as a family and everyone enjoyed themselves. My nearly-5-year-old did crawl onto my lap as the action heated up but it was tame enough for her not to be traumatized. The plot is sort of moot so I won’t bother recapping it. Suffice it to say museum stuff comes alive again and hilarity ensues while reality is permanently suspended. The little kids loved the slapstick scenes like the ones with Ben Stiller and monkeys slapping each other. I laughed out loud at the conflict scene between Stiller and Jonah Hill as Brandon (or Brundon) the security guard midway through the movie. Hank Azaria was pretty funny throughout as the lisping villain and there was an especially funny improv bit between with Azaria and Stiller where they bickered like school children near the end of the film. Owen Wilson was his regular affable and fairly amusing self throughout.
I know the critics don’t generally like this sort of light fare but I was pleasantly surprised at how those few funny scenes made the overall experience not suck for me. And I have to admit that going to the movies with the whole family can be a good time when your babies aren’t babies anymore. I’m glad they still make silly family movies. There is a place for them still. (And based on the box office numbers I’ve seen it looks like there is clearly a market for them.)
I thought the first one was pretty fun and funny. I’ll probably see this one at the dollar theater or on DVD, though (like I see almost everything else).
Comment by Susan M — May 26, 2009 @ 10:27 am
My kids are wanting to see this, and this makes me not dread it. Thanks Geoff.
Comment by Tracy M — May 26, 2009 @ 3:09 pm
I like watching the monkeys slap Ben Stiller.
Comment by danithew — May 26, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
The first one was pretty decent.. really like the duo of owen wilson and ben stiller..some good comedy!
Comment by Divya — May 26, 2009 @ 10:53 pm
Better than the reverse Danithew. <Ed McMahon Voice>Whoa Hoa</Ed McMahon Voice>
Comment by Clark — May 27, 2009 @ 10:27 am