Movies / Home Theatre

Night at the Museum DVD Review

By Tony Farinella
April 25, 2007 - 18:02

I struggled while writing my review of "Night at the Museum."  After I was done watching the film, I didn't know what to say about it.  I can't say I truly enjoyed the film.  I only remember a handful of scenes.  That being said, I can't say I hated the film.  I don't recall any scenes in the film that made me roll my eyes.  The film also features a pretty decent cast.  Ben Stiller is always entertaining.  You also can't go wrong with Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney. With that said, the film is strictly made for kids.  It's not a film like "Over the Hedge" that both parents and kids will enjoy.  This one is only for the kiddies.  Because of this, how can I review it?  It's not intended for a 21-year-old semi-adult. Can I go back in time and pretend to be a kid?  Do I need to ask a 10-year-old kid if they enjoyed the film? Sadly, I don't know too many film critics who are that young.  What's a film critic to do?  I guess I'll give it the old college try.

Our film opens up following Larry Daley, who is played by Ben Stiller.  He's one of those movie dads who just can't seem to cope with divorce.  He jumps from job-to-job and can't seem to find any steady employment.  This puts a strain on his relationship with his son.  His son wishes that his dad would just get a real job like the rest of the world.  Instead, Larry is always coming up with some quick scheme for a buck.  Finally, his wife tells him that he can't put his son through this anymore.  They seem to move just about every other week.  This makes it nearly impossible for his son to have any stability in his life.  It's time for Larry to get his act together.  This leads to a funny scene at the unemployment office with Anne Meara.  I was hoping that Jerry Stiller would show up in this scene.  I love me some "King of Queens."  After some begging, she tells him about a job at the museum.  Because Larry is desperate to stay near his son, he agrees to look into the job.



While at the museum, he meets a quirky group of security guards.  The security guards are played by Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dkye, and Bill Cobbs.  They show Larry the ropes and get him introduced to the museum.  After this, Larry is finally hired at the museum.  It appears to be a normal job for the most part.  He's the night security guard, how much trouble can occur?  Well, you would be surprised by how much trouble can occur at night. As the song says, the freaks come out at night.  This museum has trouble written all over it.  Everything comes alive!  We see a crazy monkey who slaps around Larry.  I'll refrain from any jokes about that.  This is a family film, remember?  Did I mention we get a crazy cowboy?  He's played by the very manic Owen Wilson.  Robin Williams also shows up as Teddy Roosevelt.  Don't forget about a dinosaur that comes alive as well.  Larry starts to wonder just what he's got himself into.  Nevertheless, he doesn't want to quit the job.

He needs to stay for his son.  I sure hope his son appreciates what he's going through at this job.

"Night at the Museum" is a harmless exercise in slap-stick humor.  The plot is secondary to the non-stop noise that occurs in the second half of the film.  The film is loud and proud.  Also, all of the actors appear to be having a good time during this movie.  Thankfully, nobody appears to be winking at the camera.  Owen Wilson really sells the crazy cowboy gimmick.  Ben Stiller is perfectly fine as the worrisome dad.  I suppose now is the time when I should give my final thoughts on the film.  I should tell you if you should see the film or not. If you are under thirteen, I'd recommend this film for you.  I think you'll chuckle at the total silliness that goes on in the movie.  If you are an old fart, I'd recommend passing on this film.  Sadly, I know all of this sounds rather simplistic.  A film critic is only as good as the material in front of him.  This is a simple film for kids.  It doesn't feature anything offensive or ugly.  I think they'll enjoy it and laugh quite a bit.  Everyone else? You'll be considered a good sport for watching this movie with your nephew or niece.

Special Features:

    * Bringing the Museum to Life: take a walk through the museum from the special effects point of view. From storyboards, acting with things that don't exist, green screens, all the way through to the computer animation process see how the film's museum was brought to life
    * Monkey Business: meet the real actor - a living, breathing monkey - who plays Dexter and does a great job of exasperating Ben Stiller's character
    * Blooper Reel: things don't always go as planned on set, even for the professionals - see for yourself in this reel
    * Deleted and Extended Scenes: this gallery of scenes that didn't make it to the big screen can be watched with optional commentary by Director, Shawn Levy. Here he can explain why the material was shot but not used in the film
    * Audio Commentary: Director, Shawn Levy - Shawn Levy takes you through the film from the director's point-of-view. Giving an insider's look the director discusses the process he undertook in bringing Night at the Museum to the screen
    * Audio Commentary: Writers - the screenwriters talk about adapting this magical story from book to the big screen
    * McFly Music Video
    * Making of Night at the Museum
    * 2 Trailers
    * Rexy's Bone Jumble (set-top game)

Final Thoughts: For some reason, I can't forget about the scene where the monkey urinates on Ben Stiller.  I found this scene very comical.  Why?  I think because I didn't expect it in a film like this.  I almost thought I was watching a movie by The Farrelly brothers.  I think that's probably the only scene in the film that parents might enjoy.  I'm giving this film a positive review because it did what it set out to do.  It's not trying to be overly creative or unique.  It's simple but effective.  I think it should be acknowledged for that.

Grade: B-

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12