Night at the Museum Review

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: Amid the potty humor and fast-paced antics is a message about going after your dreams -- Larry tries to inspire his son to pursue his dreams, and Larry eventually learns to try harder for what he wants, too.  Larry and his son have an uneven relationship, but it's clear that Larry means well and is ultimately a good dad.

Role models: Larry begins the movie as a fairly iffy role model -- he can't seem to hold a job, and his ex-wife laments his lack of focus and stability -- but over the course of the film, he learns some important things about himself and others. It's very clear that the "bad guys" have done something wrong, and justice eventually prevails.

Violence and scariness: Lots of comic crashes and falls. Repeated scenes in which soldiers and other warriors fight (shooting, explosions, fighting, swords), though none of these encounters leads to visible/lasting injuries (some charring following explosions). A little truck carrying two characters crashes and disappears in smoke and a teeny fire. Some scary moments, as when the dinosaur skeleton and Attila the Hun chase Larry. Larry and a monkey fight repeatedly: The monkey steals keys, pees on Larry, slaps Larry (who slaps back), etc. Characters with a bad motive kick and flip Larry.

Sexy stuff: Mild flirting between Larry and Rebecca; Teddy Roosevelt admires Sacajawea through his binoculars (prompting Larry to ask, "Are you checking her out?").

Language: "Oh my god," "for god's sake," "don't be a kiss-ass," "screwed up." Gus calls Larry names ("weirdy," "cupcake," "hopscotch"); Jed calls him "gigantor," and they discuss name-calling.

Consumerism: Not an issue

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue