Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb: Movie Review

Ben Stiller's family-friendly Night at the Museum films have entertained moviegoers of varying ages on two occasions thus far. This Christmas season, he and the folks over at 20th Century Fox are hoping to bring some comedy cheer once again with their new installment in the franchise, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.

All of the Night at the Museum regulars return with Stiller in this third film with a few familiar faces rounding out the mix. Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens and Pitch Perfect's Rebel Wilson play their parts well, along with some fun cameos.

THE MOVIE IN A MINUTE

When the tablet of Ahkmenrah beings to corrode, the American Museum of Natural History is thrown into complete chaos. Former security guard-turned special effects manager Larry Daley treks across the Atlantic with the tablet and a few friends to find answers and reverse the corrosion before the magic it holds is lost forever.

THE GOOD AND BAD IN NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb's ending credits bid farewell to two of its cast, comedy greats Mickey Rooney and Robin Williams. But, is this, one of Williams' last movies, a worthy send off? In some ways, yes, it does him and Rooney proud. One thing's for sure the knowledge of Williams' passing is not lost as his character Teddy Roosevelt delivers his poignant and lesson-teaching lines.

What parents might be wary of is the movie's inclusion of magic. There are moments in this movie when the "magic" of the tablet is explained. In flashbacks, we see that the moon's "power" plays a big role. Children, who are old enough to understand this movie is make-believe, will find in it a Christmastime treat at the theater. It's quite funny at times, but the whole bit with the Neanderthal gets a little old. It has a good message of never giving up hope, and persevering no matter what obstacles may come in your way.

The movie starts great, then gets a little slow, but eventually picks up pace once they get to England and meet Lancelot (Stevens) and the rest of their British counterparts. Rated PG for "mild action, some rude humor and brief language", Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb isn't for the littlest ones.

IN THE END

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb could be a good option for some families at theaters this Christmas, even with its flaws.