 20th Century Fox // Buy from Amazon.comBen Stiller (Dodgeball, Meet The Parents, There's Something About Mary) stars as Larry Daley, an unlucky, yet hopeful dreamer who takes a job as a graveyard-shift security guard at the famous museum. When it closes at night, Larry soon learns that things are not what they seem when a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton wants to play fetch, an Easter Island monolith talks to him and Attila The Hun attacks. With the museum denizens loose and not wanting to lose his job, Larry turns to a re-animated wax figure of President Theodore Roosevelt (played by Oscar®-winner Robin Williams, Best Supporting Actor, Good Will Hunting, 1998) to help save the museum. Night At The Museum also stars Paul Rudd (The 40 Year Old Virgin) and some of Hollywood's all-time favorite comedians Dick Van Dyke ("The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Diagnosis Murder") and Mickey Rooney (The Black Stallion, Babes In Arms). Ben Stiller seems to be in nearly every film made in the last few years. While that statement is obviously a gross exageration, there's no denying that this man cranks out a TON of movies (no doubt laughing all the way to the bank with each.) Unlike most of his recent stinkers, however, "Night at the Museum" was actually half-decent, due to the simple fact that Stiller is really a supporting character, existing solely as the focal point for all of the CGI insanity that takes place at this museum after hours. Sure, the film delivers some chuckles, and the special effects are fairly well-done... but this one did feel somewhat like a "paint-by-numbers" type of movie: try-hard lead character, down on his luck, finds himself in a strange world where artifacts and historical characters come to life and seem to delight in chasing after him. Cue the hilarity. I won't slag it too hard, as I did laugh, but not for a second was I surprised, or impressed, by anything in this film - and that, to me, is its mortal sin. Turn off brain, turn on movie, enjoy. Video Presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, I found the picture quality of this DVD to be first-rate from start to finish, with clean & clear images throughout. Audio Your choice of DTS or Dolby 5.1 surround mixes - I opted for the booming former and was very impressed! Extras Closing Thoughts Light-hearted, goofy effects-heavy romp + entire 2nd disc of extras = great (mindless) entertainment (not that there's anything wrong with that!) Labels: review |
