Film Review: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

The superb cast line-up does not disappoint.

Director: Shawn Levy

Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Rebel Wilson, Dan Stevens, Ben Kingsley, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais,

Rating: PG

Running time: 97 mins

Release Date: 19th December

It doesn’t seem like five minutes ago since we first saw the exhibits in NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM come to life, but in fact it has been eight years. The success of the first film was followed up by a sequel in 2009 and now it seems 2014 has brought the final installment in the franchise.

Over the years, the NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM series has become a fun, entertaining comedy for all of the family to enjoy and SECRET OF THE TOMB continues to provide exactly that. Third time around the magic and action has crossed the pond relocating to London (a welcoming change of venue) as Ben Stiller‘s security guard Larry attempts to revive the magical tablet that brings exhibits to life.

The film also welcomes some new faces and they certainly do not disappoint. The added attractions include Sir Lancelot (Dan Stevens), a hilariously funny and friendly security guard played by the always-entertaining Rebel Wilson and of course a bunch of great cameos, including Hugh Jackman and Andrea Martin.

Rather sadly, the audience also witness Robin Williams’ final screen performance, where he reprises his  role as Teddy Roosevelt. Seeing him back on the screen is melancholic and sad, making it all the more hard to believe that we will never see him in anything new again. The film is dedicated to him at the end with the words ‘magic never ends’ – a fitting tribute for a wonderful actor. 

The film also sees the final appearance of the late Mickey Rooney, briefly reunited here along with Dick Van Dyke and Ernest Tubbs, to whom the film is also dedicated.

Shawn Levy‘s film opens up in 1938 revealing how the all-important tablet is discovered, which comes with a warning, (naturally none of the determined archaeologists listen to). The action then moves to present day, where recently-promoted director of nighttime operations Larry Daley (Stiller) discovers those life-like exhibits have developed a disturbing glitch and the tablets special power is significantly reducing.

Tracing the cause to the Ahkmenrah’s (Rami Malek) rapidly corroding golden tablet, Daley makes a pilgrimage to London, accompanied by his son, Nicky (Skyler Gisondo) to seek the guidance of Ahkmenrah’s dad (Ben Kingsley).

The heroes break into the British Museum after hours tricking the gullible security guard, where Wilson definitely provides the laughs and they encounter some rather new and terrifying beasts. An impressive display of CGI is used as Larry battles a six-headed serpent, tries to tame a young dinosaur and rescue his friends from a Pompeii volcanic eruption scene, all whilst trying to keep the tablet alive in the moonlight and in doing so, saving his relic friends from imminent death.

The plot does not offer any new surprises and remains rather predictable, but the film does provide a barrel of laughs and is great entertainment for all of the family. The superb cast line up does not disappoint and the CGI effects were fantastic. Fans of the previous two films will not be disappointed by this finale.

Verdict

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