Monday, January 12, 2015

Review of NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB: Robin Williams' Valediction

January 11, 2015




The ancient Egyptian tablet that gives life to the exhibits of the Museum of Natural History in New York is strangely getting corroded. This causes the all the living exhibit friends to act erratically. Only Ahkmenrah's father, the Pharaoh Merenkahre, would know how to fix the problem, but he is in the British Museum in London. So security guard Larry Daley has to go there and get the tablet fixed before the magic is lost forever.

Ben Stiller's character Larry does not get many big comic moments as he mainly gives way to his co-actors to shine. Larry is having issues that his son Nick had unconventional career plans. Stiller does get to do a new role here, that of a new wax model of a Neanderthal man Laa, who was made in Larry's likeness. Unfortunately many of the side-by-side moments between Larry and Laa were hit and miss. Many of these jokes fell flat, with the best parts already shown in the trailer.

It was very good to see the old friends we have known and enjoyed in the first two films together again in this concluding episode. These were Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Pharaoh Akhmenrah (Rami Malek), Roman officer Octavius (Steve Coogan), cowboy Jedediah (Owen Wilson), Dexter the capuchin monkey, Attila the Hun, Sacajawea, Rexy the T-Rex skeleton, among others.  We also get to see again Dick van Dyke and the late Mickey Rooney who played rival security guards in the first film.

When they reach the British Museum, the tablet brings the exhibits there to life. New friends are introduced and more madcap adventures ensue. Aside from the old Pharaoh played by Ben Kingsley, we meet two more important side characters.  Rebel Wilson plays female security guard Tilly and she was usually funny. The swashbuckling action of this film was provided by Sir Lancelot, as played by the dashing Dan Stevens. His scene fighting with the Triceratops skeleton was thrillingly choreographed and executed. His scenes with "King Arthur" (played by a special uncredited A-list guest star) and those on the rooftop with the melting nose were hilarious.

The third act was strangely downbeat for an adventure-comedy film like this. But it has a special sentimental appeal because of the emotional valedictory words delivered by the late beloved actor, Robin Williams. It was not merely Roosevelt saying goodbye to Larry. It felt as if Williams was bidding us (the audience) his farewell. For that special moment alone, this becomes a must-watch for all Robin Williams fans, as this is already his final onscreen appearance in a film. 6/10.




18 comments:

  1. This movie was great .. like you said Ben Stiller's story line could have been funnier but its always good to give another actor a chance ... great movie for the entire family

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  2. I've watched this, and frankly speaking it's the least entertaining of the 3 parts. But for all robin Williams fans, this will be a must watch.

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  3. Not to forget Hugh Jackman's little cameo and his way to imitate Wolverine. It was hilarious. But yea, you are right, despite the funny plots and lines, the story was still rather weak.

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  4. I've seen this film and sad to say I'm a little bit disappointed. Perhaps, I am just comparing this film with the previous one. Mas maganda kasi yun.

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  5. I never watched this as most review are not so positive. Glad I don't :p

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  6. Heard good things about this movie - may look into taking my daughter this weekend! :) Great film review as always - definitely liked the idea of this film over previous horror film reviews! :) Sim x

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  7. Super happy that this movie series keeps on making sequels! Ben Stiller is always so hilarious! :D

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  8. I watched this movie together with kids and I enjoyed watching while eating Banana Cue. I've known some from history books and exciting with every scene.

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  9. It wasn't as funny as i hoped it to be (i had a very high expectation, i must admit. The first movie was epic!), but it was still pretty entertaining. And i wrote the exact same thing as you about Robbie Williams seemingly bidding the audience his farewell, i made me teared :(

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  10. This is such a great film and a fab balanced review you have here x

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  11. This is not my kind of movie but because my friends are persuading me to watch this, I almost gave in. But reading your review quite made me think again. I've watched one (through HBO movies) and it kind of bored me. I think this would too. :(

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  12. I've followed night at the museum and it had a really interesting storylines. The latest one would really be special because of Robin Williams.

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  13. So sad to think that this was indeed Robin Williams last movie. I plan to see it regardless of what any other reviewer might say. I enjoyed reading yours.

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  14. I watched it in the cinema to me its not too bad. Quite entertaining and Ben Stiller as usual is funny.

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  15. I watched this movie and enjoyed it thoroughly! Was fun to watch Robin Williams!

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  16. I wanna watch this movie so much! It's so nice... Too bad Robin Williams is not around d..

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  17. I heard of my friends talking about this movie and how they enjoyed it. I'm planning to watch it and enjoy it myself. So sad that this is Robin Williams' last movie. What a great actor he was! :)

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  18. I will shed a tear watching this movie. This is gonna be great!

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