Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb
The exhibits are revolting
Release Date: 13 April 2014 | PG | Blu- ray/ DVD Director: Shawn Levy Cast: Ben Stiller, Dan Stevens, Rebel Wilson, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Ben Kingsley
The third
Night At The Museum film starts with an excavation straight out of Indiana Jones, as if it’s going to break the usual formula. Nope – it turns into another workmanlike, effectsladen pantomime, as Ben Stiller’s put- upon hero travels to the British Museum to fix the magic tablet which brings statues and waxworks to rowdy life.
The second film was lifted by Hank Azaria and Amy Adams, but sadly neither is back. Newcomers include Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens, who’s reasonably spirited as a bluff Sir Lancelot, and Rebel Wilson, naff as a security guard. ( There are also agreeable cameos from Ben Kingsley and a couple of surprise guests.) Otherwise it’s the normal Museum ensemble, mostly dragged around with little to do – including Robin Williams, in one of his last films.
It’s a mix of mild tedium – especially when it comes to Stiller’s character’s parenting issues – and inspired ideas. There’s a wondrous fantasy parade which goes terribly wrong, and a superb fight inside an Escher painting, with shades of Labyrinth.
Buy the DVD and you get a featurette on the film’s comedy, deleted scenes, a gallery and trailers. The Blu- ray ( rated) adds commentary by the director, another six featurettes, and more deleted scenes. Andrew Osmond The film ends with a dedication to both Mickey Rooney ( security guard Gus) and Robin Williams: “Magic Never Ends”.