by Gaynell Parker

Created on: June 15, 2009

Finally a sequel that is worth watching! Night at the Museum II, while not quite as unique and fun as the first, still manages to pull us into the action and watch history come to life. It was even better that all the original actors were involved and did great jobs. We especially liked Robin Williams as the bust of Roosevelt, bewailing his counterpart in New York having arms and legs...great stuff.

It was also good to see that Larry (Ben Stiller) was able to succeed with his inventions, though it was interesting to see how he had lost something in the exchange. They show how he realizes this through his interactions with the characters in history and how they really mean something to him, especially the items from the museum he used to work at.

I wasn't really a Ben Stiller fan until we watched the first Night at the Museum, but I've grown to like him and appreciate his comedy. Especially his clean films. This movie had nothing that I'd not want my children to see, or make me cringe and wonder why it had been put in there. No language that offended, and no crass or crude jokes that would have to be explained it was great.

I have to admit, I think my favorite character in this film was Amelia Earhart. She comes across with enthusiasm, courage, a quest for adventure and a willing hand. I wondered why he didn't go for a relationship with her, since she was obviously willing and at this point I wondered what had happened to the girl who had been the docent in the first movie and appeared to be attracted to him. It's the stuff of romance novels, and his meeting a girl that was her look-a-like at the end was partially workable.

There were several scenes that were hilarious; the Einstein bubble heads, Custard always trying to yell Charge!, the launching of the shuttle (including one of the same actors that was in Apollo 13) and the interaction with the space chimp to name a few. I still don't get what's with the slapping of the face all the time, but I guess they thought it was funny enough from the first movie.

Another part that was amazing was the hopping into the pictures and paintings around the museum. Especially the famous WWII shot of the sailor kissing the nurse. It was fun to see the people in the photograph were black and white, but Larry and Amelia remained in color. Great stuff.

If you're looking for something deep and intense, this isn't that kind of movie. But if you're looking for something that has interesting little tidbits about history, a tour of the Smithsonian, and some light hearted fun, this is the show for you AND your kids. Enjoy!

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