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Night at the Museum seems like one of those blockbusters where the screenwriters found a great concept and thought that was enough to stretch out over 110 minutes. They pull it off, just about, but it's mainly because that central premise, museum exhibits coming alive, is an appealing one. The movie just amounts to little more than a string of well-mounted set-pieces, but they do make pretty good use of its potential. Some of the exhibits are great, like the T-rex that only wants to play fetch and the talking Easter Island head that likes chewing gum. Unfortunately it feels like nearly all the attention was paid to the movie's selling point and little on thinking up a plot to stitch it together. For the first two thirds, we basically just watch Ben Stiller go to work for two nights (the film comprises three nights at the museum). It's entertaining but lacking in purpose and drive. The third night, which is the finale of the movie, is really good though because finally something other than just Ben Stiller running around a museum full of living exhibits happens. The subplot involving Stiller's son (who, predictably, thinks he's a loser at first) seems underwritten and tacked on. Stiller himself is reliable as usual, and there's enjoyable support by Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan as warring miniatures. Ricky Gervais, while playing the same character he always does, was quite amusing too. The film never quite finds its rhythm but it is good enough generally to send you home happy.
The summary
Night at the Museum is undemanding family fare that won't linger long in the memory but passes the time effectively enough.
