Into the second Night

As I continue to catch on the big summer movies on DVD, I'm surprised at how backwards everything has seemed lately. Very few films have met my expectations. Some have soared above them (Star Trek) and others have signficantly failed to meet them (Funny People). We know come to another example of that and fortunately in this case, it's a pleasant surprise; Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian

While the first film was a big success, I was rather underwhelmed by it. Despite an interesting premise and some good comic actors in the cast, the original felt about as fresh as most of the relics in the titular museum. While the basic premise remains the same (Ben Stiller, playing a night watchman has to deal with all of the exhibits coming to life at night), this sequel is brimming with energy thanks to some key additions to the already impressive cast.

The story this time around focuses on many of the exhibits from the original film being moved to the Smithsonian and encountering some of the other existing exhibits there. One of the two key additions is Hank Azaria, who plays the villainous Egyptian ruler Kahmunrah, who wants the tablet that allows the exhibits to come to life (Azaria also voice Rodin's The Thinker and Abraham Lincoln in the film). He has some really funny interactions with virtually everyone in the cast, whether he's antagonizing Stiller or Owen Wilson (back as cowboy Jedidiah) or attempting to recuit other historic villains like Al Capone, Napoleon, or Ivan the Terrible. Azaria brings a wonderfully dry humor to the character that makes him engaging to kids and adults alike.

The other important new role is Amy Adams' Amelia Earhart. I've never been fond of Adams' work, mostly because I find her performances to be so saccharine that I feel a cavity developing. Here, though she plays Earhart with such moxie and gusto, that she adds rather than detracts from the film. Speaking like she's still living in the 30s, her observations and excitements for everything that's happening around her make her such an appealing character that you could almost buy her as a love interest for Stiller's protagonist.

While Adams and Azaria have the meatier roles, there are several known comic actors who appear briefly throughout the film bringing some extra zest to their thankless roles. Actors such as Jonah Hill, Christopher Guest, Jay Baruchel, Bill Hader (doing a hilariously vain and cowardly General Custard), and many actors from The Office and 30 Rock all show up for funny cameos. So you have all of these new people, in addition to the returning cast members like Wilson, Robin Williams, and Steve Coogan. In some cases, this might feel like 'sequel bloat', but this film manages to balance all of these characters nicely, allowing them to have a moment to shine without overstaying their welcome.

The story here isn't particularly new or inventive - Stiller's character has to once again keep the living relics in check and restore order before the sun rises. However, this time the film moves at a quick enough pace that you don't mind the conventions. There is perhaps one too many 'battle' scenes near the end that really served no purpose other than to give the primary characters one final opportunity to interact with each other, but for the most part this is a light, breezy affair.

Given that most who read this are in their 20s or older, I can't exactly say this family-friendly film is a must rent. It'll most likely be of little to no importance to you. However, do not dismiss this film simply because of the original. This is one of those rare times where the sequel is actually better than the original. And while it's no Godfather II, this film works by giving us what the original should have; a madcap romp that provides us with some unconventional depictions of some historical characters. If you're gathering with your family during these holidays, you may just want to give this one a viewing. Grade: B