The first "Night at the Museum" movie was fantastic...far better than I could have hoped for and it was very entertaining. While this first sequel isn't bad, it lacks the heart and originality of "Night at the Museum". Now, I am not saying it's bad or you shouldn't see it....just don't expect the same quality or enjoyment level of the first.

In this highly contrived plot, most of the lovable characters from the first film are being sent to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC and the collection is to be stored in their archives. Apparently, the putzy director of the New York Natural History Museum is replacing these items and changing the entire museum. What makes it more tough to believe is when Larry (Ben Stiller) learns of this and is able to EASILY sneak into the Smithsonian to try to retrieve the collection AND stop a nutty ancient Egyptian from taking over the world.

Even more so than the first film, to enjoy this one you just need to turn off your brain and watch it without questioning what you see. And, on that level it works very well. Still enjoyable and still worth seeing...just not rising to the level of "Night at the Museum".

I really liked the first Night at the Museum, not bowled over, but very entertained. It had great special effects and it was great to see childhood legend Dick Van Dyke again. I was looking forward to this sequel, hoping for the same sort of entertainment. This is not a terrible film by all means, but as a sequel and film I couldn't help feeling disappointed.

Granted, the special effects were absolutely wonderful, and the cinematography, locations, costumes, sets and editing striking. Granted, the score was rousing and fun, and most of the direction solid. And granted the actors give it their all, Ben Stiller is solid if occasionally going overboard, Amy Adams and Hank Azaria are absolute hoots and Robin Williams returns as Roosevelt and along with Azaria is the standout of the actors playing the historical figures.

However, the recurring support cast aren't given much to do excepting Robin Williams, Owen Wilson is rather annoying, Napolean and Al Capone are written as quite badly-written caricatures and don't get me started on the Jonas Brothers, their presence added absolutely nothing to the proceedings and they were not funny at all. And if only there was a story and script that were consistently engaging, but the script and sight gags are very hit and miss and the story is thin, and these are further disadvantaged by the overlong length, tacky ending and too many scenes that drag.

In conclusion, watchable but quite average. 5/10 Bethany Cox

Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) has moved on from his night watchman job. The American Museum of Natural History is closed for renovations. The exhibits are moved to the Smithsonian in Washington where they must battle the forces of evil Pharaoh Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria) for the Tablet of Ahkmenrah.

Basically it's a story looking for an excuse to bring in new characters and a new location. A lot of the charm is missing mainly due to the fact that many of the characters are separated and reduced in role. There is one great addition. Amy Adams is fantastic as Amelia Earhart and she makes a great duo with Ben Stiller.