'Night at the Museum' - A Movie Review

If all the artifacts in a museum were to actually come alive after closing hours, I wouldn’t mind spending a night with all sorts of historical figures, and even a dinosaur.

Night at the Museum was a hit when it was first released in 2006. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film is about a divorced father, who takes an overnight security job at the Museum of Natural History. Larry soon finds out that this museum holds powers of the unknown, bringing artifacts to life.

I remember sitting in the movie theater and witnessing this film’s magic. It is utterly a fantastic film, that was not afraid to take a risk. This film wins at comedy. The jokes never get old, and it's really a heartfelt movie.

Night at the Museum is filled with many recognizable faces. Ben Stiller plays Larry, a loving dad, who has bad luck. All viewers want to be in Stiller’s place, so they can stay in this museum for the night. Stiller adds a lot of depth to his character, along with some wonderful improvisation. Definitely, one of Stiller’s best films.

Robin Williams portrays Teddy Roosevelt. Watching the late actor in his films has always made me smile, especially here. William’s inspirational quotes have helped me as a person, in my own journey in the world.

Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan are two rival miniature enemies. Did you know that Ben Stiller was actually talking to a toothpick while filming his scenes with Owen? No matter how small your part is you’ll always make a big impact.

There are two other very well known faces in this picture. Years before his win for best actor in Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek portrays King Ahkmenrah in his film debut. Carla Gugino who recently played the pivotal role as Jessie in Gerald’s Game plays Rebecca, Stiller’s love interest. Night at The Museum was just the starting point for actors bringing them into the light.

Dick Van Dyke, the late Mickey Rooney, and Bill Cobbs all make memorable appearances as the other museum security. However, they’re hiding a dark secret. The trio is an absolute treat. Life in film lasts forever. Actors who have passed are forever remembered for the witty personalities they created.

I could go on a long list of actors who appeared in Night at the Museum. The supporting actors, especially Ricky Gervaise, were incredible. There could have been a couple of expanded character arcs. For example, the step-father is only there in the beginning, to show that he is the new dad who his son is more fond of. After that, he is never seen again, not even in the sequels. The same goes for Gugino’s character.

What makes this film series so popular are all the actors appearing as the museum exhibits. Surprises happen around every corner. Imagination is a virtue.

This film is paced well, never a dull moment to speak of. It teaches viewers that nobody is ordinary. We’re all our own unique individuals, with hidden magic. Imagination is one of the most important themes. It does not matter how old you are, or even if you are a wax figure.

There is a plethora of memorable scenes that it is so hard to just choose one. Honestly, I just watch the film for its entirety. All scenes stand out, no one is ever overshadowed, and everyone is clearly having fun. I wish I could have been an extra.

History buffs are sure to enjoy this film. That’s what I like most about Night at the Museum. We can learn interesting facts about well known or figures we never knew about.