Night at the Museum

[Billy Cox]

Because of a mysterious Egyptian relic, all of the exhibits in the museum of natural history come to life each night. Enter Ben Stiller, a good-hearted loser who takes a night security job at the museum in order to prove himself trustworthy enough to be involved in his son's life.

The main conflict of the movie is well-developed, namely how a night-watchman must prevent chaos from reigning supreme at the museum after hours. Perhaps one could say that the main character's desire for his son's approval is the main conflict, but that part of the story is unconvincing. That plot device works in the movie 'Unbreakable', but in 'Night at the Museum', it just falls flat.

Smart people will notice a 'Cat in the Hat' quality to the story. The living exhibits trash the museum each night, but almost everything seems to be put back in order by morning. There are also allusions to Gulliver's Travels and Jumanji.

The bad guys are buffoons a la 'Home Alone', but with far less injury. One interesting thing is that the bad guys get captured, but apparently the scene showing them being taken away by the police didn't make it into the film. Minor detail, I know.

Overall, it's a good movie worth watching with kids. I'm just glad I didn't pay $8.50 to see it in the theater.

[Roland Hearn]

I like it. It was good for a chuckle. The story probably finished long before the movie did but I certainly thought it was good light entertainment.

[Lindsey Grant]

I thought this movie was hilarious! It was really funny and pretty clean and great for the older kids who don't mind long movies.
I totally enjoyed it. Dick van Dyke was, as always, brilliant; too bad there wasn't more of him. And there were tons of hilarious quotes, one that springs to mind is "Excuse me Larry, I speak Hun!"
In my opinion, it was really fun. I'd definitely watch it again :)

[Ken Pell]

This is another movie that I just set back and enjoy without critiquing and getting too introspective with. It had its moments though. For example -- the idea of Larry finally finishing something and sticking around when it got hard and inconvenient was worthwhile. He goes to great lengths to do that ... even studying! :eek: Robin Williams' character (Teddy Roosevelt) really drives this theme home.

However -- I just enjoyed it for the fun it brought. Go determined to laugh and you will get your chances! :) Dick van Dyke is a highly underrated actor. I enjoy the way Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson play off of each other in their movies. And Robin Williams is more versatile than many have given him credit for.

[Gina Stevenson]

Ken, thanks for mentioning a few people I had no idea were in this movie. Haven't seen it, & only vaguely recall a few previews however long ago. Sounds like something worth renting ... or borrowing from the library, whatever [or is it even "rental" from the library, rather than free, when it comes to DVDs and not books?].

[Ken Pell]

Ken, thanks for mentioning a few people I had no idea were in this movie. Haven't seen it, & only vaguely recall a few previews however long ago. Sounds like something worth renting ... or borrowing from the library, whatever [or is it even "rental" from the library, rather than free, when it comes to DVDs and not books?].

Others in the movie that you would immediately recognze are:

Mickie Rooney http://www.its-behind-you.com/images/MickeyRooney.jpg


Bill Cobbs http://www.memoryalpha.de/news/media/cast/bill_cobbs_01.jpg


and Ricky Gervais http://tarquingunnell.co.uk/cool/gervais.jpg

[Gina Stevenson]

Others in the movie that you would immediately recognze are:

Mickie Rooney http://www.its-behind-you.com/images/MickeyRooney.jpg


Yes, I did recognize Mickey Rooney, but ...

Bill Cobb Huh? Who!?

and Ricky Gervais

Also, I'm in the dark re this dude, too! Guess I've not watched enough movies! Reminded just now of playing Trivial Pursuit years ago with this one gal who beat me bad when it came to the movie category. She knew things I couldn't believe ... guess she watched a lot of movies. ;)

[Ken Pell]

Well, after you see this movie you'll recognize both of them. :laughing

I especially liked Ricky Gervais role. He plays the museum curator. :basic05

[Hal Paul]

Yes, I did recognize Mickey Rooney, but ...

Bill Cobb

Huh? Who!?
Me too, I though he was Morgan Freeman at first. Although after checking his filmography, I recognize some of the movies that he did special effects for.


and Ricky Gervais

Also, I'm in the dark re this dude, too! Guess I've not watched enough movies! Reminded just now of playing Trivial Pursuit years ago with this one gal who beat me bad when it came to the movie category. She knew things I couldn't believe ... guess she watched a lot of movies. ;)

I hadn't heard of him either. I checked his filmography, and I don't recall any of his work, except for The Simpsons episode "Homer Simpson, This is your Wife."

[Gina Stevenson]

Well, after you see this movie you'll recognize both of them. :laughing

I especially liked Ricky Gervais role. He plays the museum curator. :basic05

OK, so Hal said he only found "The Simpsons" for the guy ... and on Simpsons you only hear, not see, them. What else did he do that we don't know about?

And, while you're at it, you might as well fill us in on that Bill Cobb guy, too! ;) Thanks.

[Ken Pell]

OK, so Hal said he only found "The Simpsons" for the guy ... and on Simpsons you only hear, not see, them. What else did he do that we don't know about?

And, while you're at it, you might as well fill us in on that Bill Cobb guy, too! ;) Thanks.

I guess they aren't as familiar to people as I thought. I did think they'd be recognizable though.

Gervais is in the office.

I think Cobbs has played a lot of minor rolls. Touched by an Angel, Drew Carey show, and a Mighty Wind are three.