How entertaining? ★★☆☆☆
Thought provoking? ★★☆☆☆ 15 November 2014
This article is a review of NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB. |
“It’s as elusive as human happiness,” Jedidiah (Owen Wilson)
Will anyone really mourn the NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM franchise? SECRET OF THE TOMB seals up an ignominious trilogy, aimed at the lowest common denominator, like so much of director Shawn Levy’s work (see also REAL STEEL, THE INTERNSHIP, DATE NIGHT). Ben Stiller is on automatic pilot too, performing as if he’s watching the clock waiting for his shift to end; even with two roles, as his Neanderthal double, La. Is it just me, or does La look a bit like Tom Cruise? (At least he contributed to the marvellous WHILE WE’RE YOUNG this year).
Will anyone really mourn the NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM franchise? SECRET OF THE TOMB seals up an ignominious trilogy, aimed at the lowest common denominator, like so much of director Shawn Levy’s work (see also REAL STEEL, THE INTERNSHIP, DATE NIGHT). Ben Stiller is on automatic pilot too, performing as if he’s watching the clock waiting for his shift to end; even with two roles, as his Neanderthal double, La. Is it just me, or does La look a bit like Tom Cruise? (At least he contributed to the marvellous WHILE WE’RE YOUNG this year).
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1938, Egypt, a guy dressed like Indiana Jones, reminding further that Levy is no Steven Spielberg. After all, what is NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM but a cut price JURASSIC PARK? And a shoddy WESTWORLD for that matter. Exhibits magically coming to life might have been so imaginative in the right hands. Discovery of Ahkmenrah's tablet, the vessel giving life to the inanimate, is shown, coupled with a fudged curse.
Cut to the modern day and the New York Museum of Natural History is hosting a gala for the great and the good. Now renowned for its evening special effects, the public unaware of the sorcerous reality, the event is standing room only. Of course it goes wrong, thanks to a green rust growing on the mystical tablet sending the life-infused exhibits crazy.
Director of the esteemed institution Dr McPhee (Ricky Gervais) is forced to resign by chairwoman Madeline Phelps (Rachael Harris), but before doing so he agrees to send nightwatchman Larry Daley (Stiller) to London, where answers might be found. Clichéd Big Smoke tourist sights, accompanied by The Clash’s ‘London Calling’, epitomise the laziness of the series.
Joining Larry on his mission to aid his curatorial pals, are franchise regulars:
- Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams, inadvertently reminding us of his superior JUMANJI),
- Jedidiah (Wilson – good value),
- Octavius (Steve Coogan),
- Ahkmenrah (Rami Malek),
- Dexter the capuchin (played by Crystal the Monkey),
- Sacajawea (Mizuo Peck),
- Attila the Hun (Patrick Gallagher), and
- Larry’s son Nick (Skyler Gisondo), given a truly weak subplot about parents allowing their children to grow up.
One doesn’t remember a triceratops, or Sir Lancelot (Dan Stevens), being exhibited at the British Museum, the destination for answers to unlocking the mysteries of the faltering tablet. Habitual scene-stealer Australian comedienne Rebel Wilson, as Tilly the bored security guard, is the only standout, bar a doozy of an X-MEN joke.
To helm two lame movies in one year is quite something. Shawn Levy’s other offering from 2014: THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU.
Mildly depressing.
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