EVERYTHING COMES TO LIFE.
Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) takes a job as a night watchman at the American Museum of Natural History, only to learn that every model in it comes alive at night. You know it’s a family film when Robin Williams is in it and never cracks any funny jokes; his performance as Teddy Roosevelt won’t have anyone in stitches. Still, this is good entertainment for kids with a basic concept that tickles the imagination, aided by fine special effects. Stiller is engaging as the dad who needs to prove to his son that his life is in order and it’s nice to see veterans Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney as his colorful old predecessors.
2006-U.S. 108 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Shawn Levy. Novel: Milan Trenc. Cast: Ben Stiller (Larry Daley), Carla Gugino (Rebecca Hutman), Dick Van Dyke (Cecil Fredericks), Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs, Jake Cherry… Ricky Gervais, Robin Williams, Steve Coogan, Paul Rudd, Rami Malek. Voice of Brad Garrett. Cameo: Owen Wilson.
Trivia: Followed by two sequels, starting with Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009).
