A Night at the Museum: Movie Review

The other day I saw the film, Night at the Museum which stars Ben Stiller as the main actor with Robin Williams and Owen Wilson having significant roles as well. I have to say that going into the film I had very low expectations of the film. In fact the only reason I went to see the film was because I had seen everything else in theaters. Plus, Ben Stiller is usually good for a laugh or two.

The film exceeded my expectations for the film but I still wouldn't say that this film is a great film or even above average. For young kids I would definitely recommend it but I probably wouldn't for adults for teenagers. Some parts of the film were utterly ridiculous because they were so over the top. For example, when Ben Stiller is talking to a monkey, its funny at first but the scene is dragged out for several minutes and it quickly becomes stupid.

As always though, Robin Williams was magnificent as he plays the role of a wax sculpture in the form of Teddy Roosevelt who helps Ben Stiller on his night time job as the museum security guard. The twist in the film, as you might have guessed already from the previews, is that the museum comes alive at night time. The old security guards are retiring and one of the guards is Miky Rooney who is quite funny. Of course, the rest of the museum staff and the museum owner are completely oblivious to the fact that the animals and statues come alive at night.

As I stated before, Ben Stiller is good for a laugh or two like when he is screaming at the top of his lungs back and forth at a Hun man from the past. Owen Wilson does well in his role as a Cowboy that is a small action figure which suits his personality and past acting roles.

The basic theme is watching Ben Stiller try to win over the affection and love of his son who lives with his ex-wife after they got divorced. Ben Stiller has been unable to find a job because of his ridiculous creations like the "snapper" which is rather funny as portrayed in the film. At night, Ben Stiller must prevent all of the people and animals that come alive in the museum from going outside or they turn to dust.

In the final scenes, with a rather twist at the end, the former security guards try and steal a gold piece that is the magic that makes the animals and people come alive. Ben Stiller must control the havoc and stop the criminals before it is too late.