OK for kids 7+
Fun, fast-paced sequel is more upbeat than the original.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this follow up to the smash hit Night at the Museum is very similar in content to the original movie -- so if your kids liked that one, they'll get a kick out of this one, too. Expect lots of generally lighthearted, effects-heavy chaos and action, with slapstick chases and confrontations and some moments of peril and danger (including scenes in which a somewhat scary giant octopus wreaks havoc and others involving creepy soldiers from the Egyptian underworld). Main characters get into fights and are threatened with weapons (guns, spears, swords) and words, but no one is seriously injured. One thing that's "missing" is the uneven father-son relationship from the first movie -- this one skips the family angst in favor of a more romantic subplot that helps keep things more upbeat overall. There's a little language and some kissing, but no drinking or smoking.
- Families can talk about the message behind all of the fancy effects. Why is it important to do what makes you happy?
- How is Larry inspired to go after his dreams? How have his dreams changed since the first movie?
- Families can also discuss the historical figures and events that themovie touches on. How could you learn more about Amelia Earhart, theTuskegee Airmen, and other characters featured in the movie? Parents:Channel kids' excitement about the movie into a library trip or onlinehistory session.
The good stuff
-
Educational value: Kids will pick up a few bits and pieces about historical characters and eras -- though much of it isn't exactly textbook accurate.
-
Messages: The movie has a strong positive message about being true to yourself and doing what you love in order to be happy. Some rude behavior (especially on the part of a monkey), but less potty humor than in the first movie.
-
Role models: Larry is mildly self involved at the start of the movie but ends uphelping his friends when they need him. His enemies are cartoonishlyvillainous and not meant to be taken seriously as role models. AmeliaEarhart is a spunky, independent woman who's a strong role model forgirls.
What to watch for
-
Violence and scariness: Larry and his friends are frequently chased and threatened -- both verbally and with weapons (spears, lances, swords, guns) -- by Kahmunrah and his flunkies (which include Egyptian soldiers, '30s gangsters, Ivan the Terrible and his Russian hordes, and more), but no one is seriously hurt. Some fighting. Plenty of action and peril, but most of it comes with a lighthearted, adventurous tone. A giant octopus wreaks havoc in some scenes, which scare younger kids -- as could a creepy sequence involving a gate to the Egyptian underworld. Larry gets in a slapping match with a pair of monkeys.
-
Sexy stuff: Some flirting, a few kisses (a couple fairly passionate), and a couple of innuendoes (the latter will likely go right over kids' head). A few naked/scantily clad statues, but nothing sensitive is shown.
-
Language: Pretty mild -- only a few uses of words like "dammit," "suck," "fanny," "stupid," "oh my God," and "shut up." Amelia uses lots of old-fashioned slang, like "jimmyjacked" and "moxie."
-
Consumerism: Wal-Mart is mentioned by name a few times, an obvious Microsoft Virtual Earth brand/label pops up on a computer screen in an early scene, Motorola and Apple products are used, and Larry discusses flashlight brands with another guard.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
A blast thru out the times. by SoCalZine
It was a much needed improvement over the last movie that came out in 2006. Great characters, as well as great actors. There was much more comedy in this movie and I must say I rather enjoyed it. The Museum of Natural History is closed down for renovation. The board wants to install new "interactive" pieces on display which means that the old displays will not be needed and are soon to be moved to the federal archives of the Smithsonian Museum. In a turn of events the centerpiece that brings the Museum of Natural History alive is brought to the Smithsonian bringing one of the worlds largest Museums to life. Now its a battle of wits, and courage trying to put everything back into place. Larry (Ben Stiller) once again finds himself in a bind and is helped by Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) to restore peace. I really enjoyed seeing this movie and I think its a great movie to bring a date, or your kids to see.
5
Go Only if U are a Museum Attict by kilolo11
I grew up in Chicago and fell in love with the Museum of Science & Industry plus numerous other great Museum's. I always wanted to hide in one of the exhibits until everyone left because I knew it would come alive. I was so taken by the first that this one was even better...to me....someone who loved the dream.
5
A MUST SEE MOVIE!!!! by sky28
HUMOR!!! HISTORY!!!!! GREAT FAMILY MOVIE....
WE WENT TO THE 2 PM SHOW.....3/4 OF AUDEANCE ARE FAMILY'S OR 4 OR MORE.
EVERYONE LAUGHED, CHEERED EVEN ROOTED FOR THEIR CHARACTER!
ACTOR/ACTRESS WERE ALL PERFECT FOR THEIR CHARACTERS, GOOD STORY...KEEPED EVERYONE OF ALL AGES INTO THE MOVIE...
TOP 5 FAMILY MOVIE THIS YR.....A MUST SEE IN '09
ENJOY THIS MOVIE!!!!!
4
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian by 9nerfan
We enjoyed this more than the first Night at the Museum. It is extra fun if you have visited the Smithsonian museums, but if not, you still can enjoy this film. We are a sixtish couple, but I would take my grandkids. Probably best for kids five and over . . . and there are little mini - history lessons woven in the story. Ben Stiller was more of a backdrop character in this film than in the first. My favorites were the Eygptian guy, the Roman soldier and Amelia Earhart and the cowboy Owen Wilson played. Great special effects and fun chase scenes.
4
Good Family Movie by MustBeIMAX
I loved the first Night at the Museum film. When it came out in 2006, I thought it was the best movie of the year. Now, Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian has come out and I have to say that it's a really good movie. The first film is FAR superior to this one, but I still found this entertaining. While it had a convoluted story and was a bit less believable than the first movie, there were still many scenes that had me laughing out loud. I'll recommend this movie to anyone who liked the first movie. Hank Azaria is great as Kamunrah, the main antagonist. The returning cast also does great. Overall, I'd give this probably a 7/10.
5
Puts a smile on my face by mysteryeyes1000
First off I want to say that the first night at the museum was an awsome movie. It was funny and different. When I found out they made a part 2 I was very excited. During the whole movie i stayed glued to the screen, not only was there laughs but i had that feeling of being pleased because I payed for a good movie =)
1
Bring a pillow! by formalpenguin
No plot to speak of. No surprises. Not the least bit funny. Ben Stiller looked almost bored through out the movie. The original was at least good enough as a get out of the house movie, with the excellent D Vandyke and Mickey Rooney included. This one is even worse than the usual sequel done for the money even though the writers can't come up with any clever. At least the wonderful actress Amy Adams showed why she is so good despite an awful script. Visual effects ok, but with everything so digital anymore, who cares. Hope for a straight to DVD if they make a 3.
5
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN by RAKmovies
WE LOVED THIS MOVIE. My daughter laughed so hard we were almost falling off our chairs. Very entertaining! We came home and started reinacting some of the hysterical scenes!!!! for my husband who was not able to see the movie. Will definitely go back to see again!
3
NATM: BOTS = FARCICAL DUD. GRADE: 65 out of 100. (Per press screening) by MOVIES REVIEWER
Recently I attended the press screening of this 1hr 44 min sequel to NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. And I was bored to tears throughout this movie.
Ben Stiller reprised his role as the hapless 'night guard' - but this time aided by Amy Adam's Emilia Earhart. Amy Adams practically stole the entire movie with her EXCELLENT performance - saving this contrived pointless movie from a total grade F.
Special effects were marginal although the writers were more creative this time around - 'moving' portraits and paintings, singing/flying cherubs(a la the Jonas brothers!), dancing Degas ballerina, etc.
But seriously - if this movie was intended for kids, then pray tell us what happened to the underlying moral messages that were conspicuously absent???
Alas, despite the above-average production values and Amy Adam's engaging performance, this is one movie that is destined for the archives.
VERDICT:
Wait for the DVD - a definite rental.
Don't expect too much...
Actual GRADE: C-minus
4
Good Popcorn flick by CriticCLL
It's a decent movie--especially if you're willing to suspend all reality and just enjoy it (a big, all night ruckus at the Smithsonian that doesn't result in law enforcement intervention at any point--yea, like that would happen! That seemed like the most implausible part of the movie--more so than the exhibits coming to life). The plot wasn't a complete rehash of the original--sure, there's the fight of good vs. evil; the characters aren't as complex and the story isn't as well developed--but it's fun. Hank Azaria and Bill Hader steal the show! It's worth it just to see them. A lot more exhibits come to life, which makes it even more fun to watch. I loved watching them go through the Smithsonian---it was visually fun as well.
Again--key word is FUN. It's movie that you can go to and just escape from reality for a while.