NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN
RYAN: “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” is the sequel to Ben Stiller’s “Night at the Museum,” which I didn’t love. This one I liked better, but only because it had Amy Adams.
CAROLINE: I couldn’t go to the screening with you, which is no great loss for me. I would have considered seeing it because of our mutual love for Miss Adams, but my disdain for Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson makes me glad I didn’t.
RYAN: This movie’s very predictable. It’s not exactly like the first one since it takes place in a different museum and there’s a war going on, but I really didn’t love it. It skews very young; it’s definitely a little kids’ movie.
CAROLINE: It’s rated PG, so there you go.
RYAN: Here are the few positives: Amy Adams is fabulous. After seeing the trailer, I was worried that she was using her usual Giselle from “Enchanted” and “Miss Pettigrew” voice in this movie, but she really found a new voice for this character. Somebody give that girl an Oscar already! There are also some priceless moments with Jonah Hill and Hank Azaria. Robin Williams, Christopher Guest, Steve Coogan and Owen Wilson, however, are wasted in their roles. And Ben Stiller is just doing the same thing he does in every movie. He overacts with his facial expressions, and I just didn’t buy it.
CAROLINE: I think he’s phoning it in at this point, especially with a movie like this. It’s a paycheck to him. He should stick to movies like “Tropic Thunder.”
RYAN: The special effects are definitely great though. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of seeing Robin Williams go back and forth between coming to life and being a wax figure.
CAROLINE: Yeah, the premise is totally cool, and I’m sure the kids will want to see it.
RYAN: I was really happy to see the ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” make an appearance since there is a pair on display at the Smithsonian.
CAROLINE: How nice for you. I’m still not sure why this movie’s being released against “Terminator Salvation,” which is PG-13.
RYAN: Well, this one is definitely for the much younger set. That was annoying. They could have so easily made this movie appeal to all ages, not just kids. I love children’s films, but they’re much better when they have innuendo and jokes for the adults. There’s definitely a moral in this movie but I don’t really agree with it.
— BOTTOM LINE —
RYAN: It’s a big blockbuster for the kids, and the effects are great. Some of the performances are worthy, and some are just embarrassing. I can’t say it’s a must-see on the big screen unless you have to take your kids.
— RATING —
