Night at the Museum

Director: Shawn Levy

Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Carla Gugino, Dick Van Dyke

In an attempt to prove his stability to his ex-wife and his son Nicky, Larry (Stiller) accepts a job as a night guard at the Museum of Natural History in New York. However, what he does not yet realise is that this job will prove far from easy because once the doors of the museum close everything inside comes to life…

This fun and light hearted comedy has surprises around every corner. From the fantastically animated T-Rex to wild African mammals, this film will leave you both bursting at the seams laughing and in awe of how much time and effort must have gone into this production. The human museum exhibits are just as well developed with characters like the Roman centurions and Ghenghis Khan and his followers having unique character traits and brilliant costumes. History lovers and comedy fans alike will find the inhabitants of the museum both entertaining and well researched. The use of special effects also adds to the comedy most notably in scenes involving the miniature cowboys and Romans as they prepare their attacks on Larry.

The star studded cast also helps make this movie shine, and includes the likes of Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Robin Williams. Stiller proves that he is capable of leading a hilarious cast through a great mixture of slapstick and witty one-liners. His interaction with the museum exhibits deserves special mention as it is in scenes between him and the monkey Dexter or Octavius Caesar that his acting talent really shines through. Williams is given the chance to act in a serious role without forgetting his comedic roots which results in a great performance as Teddy Roosevelt. Veteran comedic actors like Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney and Bill Cobbs show that they haven’t lost their touch either, and performances from British comedians Steve Coogan and Ricky Gervais add yet another layer to this well constructed cast.

Overall Night at the Museum proves itself as a great mix of comedy, special effects and heart warming story. It is an ideal film to go and see with the family yet it also has enough story and wit to keep older viewers entertained. Unexpected twists and likeable characters manage to keep the film engaging for all viewers. Night at the Museum goes highly recommended to anyone in search of an entertaining story that makes great use of a fantastic cast and special effects.

Julia Huntenburg