Night At The Museum 2

Though it had mixed reviews the original Night At The Museum hit big at the box office, and where Hollywood sees dollars, it invariably means sequel or franchise. So here we have Night At The Museum 2, in which Ben Stiller returns to, well, act around a wafer thin plot. However, in a film such as this the onus is on the effects, thrills and laughs, as opposed to an Oscar for best screenplay, and it delivers (just about) on all three counts. The rule of sequel is always a tricky one, and invariably involves the introduction of, usually lame, new characters. Luckily, most of the new cast provide a welcome addition. Amy Adams, as Stiller’s partner / love interest, provides sass as Amelia Earhart, Bill Hader gets some laughs as the bumbling General Custer and there’s an enjoyable uncredited cameo from Jonah Hill. But it’s Hank Azaria, as the outrageous Kahmunrah, who is the highlight. With a camp accent and lisp (apparently based on Boris Karloff, but there’s no doubt Michael Palin’s Pontius Pilate will resonate more with modern audiences), he hams his way through the film, stealing scene after scene. As for the other characters, Steve Coogan and Owen Wilson reprise their roles with mixed results (i.e. Coogan good, Wilson not so good), but both are involved in a humorous 300 homage. Robin Williams, however, seems almost a footnote. Referring back to the 300 scene, it’s here where the movie falls down slightly. The first film had plenty for the younger members of the audience to enjoy, but not so much for the adults. With the onus more on comedy than action, this film reverses that somewhat. However, it may mean some children find themselves fidgeting during the verbal scenes while they wait for the next Octopus attack. You won’t need to have seen the first movie to follow what’s going on, and even if you are briefly confused, the film starts at such a brisk pace you’ll be going along for the ride before you know it. And as a further attraction, adults can also pass the time spotting how many cast members have been in the US version of The Office. In summation, an enjoyable Night At The Cinema (see what I did there?)

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
An overall improvement on the first film, but stretching this to a third instalment might be one trip to the museum too far. Rating: 7/10.