Night at the Museum (2006, Movie) – 6/10

Director: Shawn Levy Ben Stiller: Larry Daley Carla Gugino: Rebecca Dick Van Dyke: Cecil Mickey Rooney: Gus Bill Cobbs: Reginald Jake Cherry: Nick Daley Ricky Gervais: Dr. McPhee Robin Williams: Teddy Roosevelt Writer (Original Book): Milan Trenc Writer (Screen Story): Robert Ben Garant Writer (Screen Story): Thomas Lennon Writer (Screenplay): Robert Ben Garant Writer (Screenplay): Thomas Lennon Producer: Shawn Levy Producer: Chris Columbus Producer: Michael Barnathan

Night at the Museum (2006) Larry Daley’s family life is going the way of his endless failed business ideas: down the tubes. Realising he’s got to ditch his dreams and get a solid regular job, Larry gets a job as a night guard at the American Museum of Natural History but is stunned when the exhibits come to life at night. 6/10 It certainly works as a children’s movie and boasts an unusually positive message for a Hollywood production (learning about the past is worthwhile) but it’s weakly done and rarely generates the spirit of fun and adventure required. However, Dick Van Dyke instantly makes the film a nicer place to be and he proves to be the only member of the production who understands the requirements and delivers. The 81-year-old brings energy and fun and chemistry to all his scenes. He’s one of those rare actors who never looks like he’s acting and brings effortless charisma and infectious joy to everything he’s in (see also James Stewart, Roger Moore and Cary Grant). This is a below-average entertainment lifted by Van Dyke, from his first over-the-top grin to his end credits snippet of hot-stepping, and Van Dyke alone. This movie contains violence, unpleasant scenes. Classified PG by BBFC. Parental Guidance.