“Night at the Museum”: A Movie Review

Is there a better way to spend New Years Day than to enjoy a quality picture at the local cinema? I would like to think not. I frequently make an effort to support the art of cinema by attending any or all movies that are of particular interest to me. Today was no different, the weather was perfect for going out to the movies. In northern NJ, on an overcast chilly day, aside from bowling with the family a movie is a great way to share an afternoon together.
The movies were packed, lines were outside the door, everybody for the most part had the day off, and was able to spend some quality time with the family, some however you could tell were a bit hung over. Not everybody had the luxury of elaborate new years eve plans.

We were all excited to see “Night at the Museum” not only for the local draw of the movie being based in the Museum of Natural History, which is only a hop skip, and jump away from where we live, but for the acting ensemble that bridged generation gaps. This aided in various stories about Mikey Rooney, and Dick Van Dyke who appear in the Film as Security Guards who work for the museum. I however was more interested in Owen Wilson, Robin Williams and Ben Stiller.

I did however turn a blind eye to all of the ratings and reviews i had read from such sites as RottenTomatoes a quality site for checking out a summation of ratings from both professionals and your average movie goer. Anything i feel that is rated 50% or above usually is a good movie to see. Anything below i would recommend waiting for the DVD release, which in our modern day of technology will follow 3-5 months after the movie has made its circulation at the major cinemas.

The movie began with a slow start, as most movies of these type seem to do now a days. Comedies and your average movie has to follow a formula: Establish your main characters, so that we the viewer understand their perspective, dilemma, or mission for the movie. In this case Ben Stiller is a Modern Day Divorcee who simply wants to spend more time with his son, and to have his son look up to him. Ben Stiller is posed with he problem of competing with a well to do Bond Trader who is now the Fiance/ Father Figure. Once the movie gets going after the first 20 minutes or so that is when the magic literally occurs.

I enjoy history as much, if not more than the next man. I truly enjoyed the vast array of information that was thrown in my direction and i ate it all up with delight. The movie is full of quick wit, and innuendo if you are smart enough to catch on. You forget your age and really succumb to the real moral of the movie. Which is to let go and believe. If you allow yourself to believe in the movie it is a real treat for you, as well as those you bring along with you. Great for a date or for a family.

The museum and all of its cast of characters, mainly Robin Williams as our 24th president Roosevelt. He truly was the perfect person for the part and i would have a hard time believing anybody else casted in the roll. What they show you in the commercials doesn’t do the film as a whole justice, but that isn’t anything new to movie goers. There are a lot of things i found hilarious that i was glad wasn’t inserted in their ad campaign. There are a few hearty “belly” laughs. Be warned however, that you may laugh harder than others if you have a good sense of humor and enjoy some physical comedy. You have to really appreciate the special affects, which bring the story together and the characters to life.

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to perhaps go back in time and meet historical figures, this might be your best bet. It is done in a light hearted style without overdoing the vague history lessons found sparingly throughout. I went in expecting less and left wanting more!