Night At The Museum Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Everything comes to life.
This Christmas, it won't be a silent night.
See the side of the museum you won't see on the tour.
At the Museum of Natural History, something unnatural is occurring.
When the lights go off, it's on.
Where History Comes To Life
Where history really does come alive
In New York, the unemployed divorced Larry Daley is a complete loser. His son Nick is very disappointed with his father that is gong to be evicted, and Larry accepts the job of night watchman in the Museum of Natural History as the substituted for three old security guards that have just retired to raise some money and pay his bills. In his first nightshift, Larry realizes that everything at the museum comes to life at night. The Museum transforms in a complete chaos with the inexperienced Larry, and he learns that since an old Egyptian stone came to the Museum in 1950, the was statues comes to life until dawn. When Larry brings his son to spend a night with him, the three old guards break in the Museum to stole the magic stone. Larry organizes the historic characters to help him to arrest the criminals and save the museum.
| 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 |
| Kim Raver | Erica Daley |
| Patrick Gallagher | Attila the Hun |
| Rami Malek | Ahkmenrah |
| Pierfrancesco Favino | Christopher Columbus |
| Charles Q. Murphy | Taxi Driver |
| Steve Coogan | Octavius |
| Mizuo Peck | Sacajawea |
| Shawn Levy |
6.50 out of 10 (31385 votes)
Visitor Reviews
One of the worst movies I've ever seen
posted on 24 Aug 2009This movie must have been made for children, because anyone with a brain that's been around more than 10 years will see right through this one. Nothing that happens in the movie has a point, there are no surprises, you know everything that is going to happen in advance.It was actually painful to sit through it, and my already relatively low opinion of Ben Stiller has gone through the floor... it's a shame.Movie studios should learn to make movies everyone can enjoy, and stick to that. Many children's movies of late have had sufficient plots to make them enjoyable for adults, this one however does not. Do not watch this movie, as 'cute' as the trailers may look!
One of the worst movies I have ever seen
posted on 20 Aug 2009My mom and I decided to go see this movie this afternoon. I hadn't seen the previews or read much about it. But the title pretty sums up the movie.Within the first ten minutes we were ready to get up and leave. The whole idea of the movie is stupid and even though the effects are not bad. Watching this movie took a lot of effort. Way more than it should take.It has a wonderful cast and Ben Stiller is the only reason why we stayed in the movie theater to watch it. Would not recommend it. Keep your money and go see something else.
You'd think Hollywood would learn by now...
posted on 16 Aug 2009STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning Larry (Ben Stiller) is a down on his luck guy living in New York who, after some searching, gets a job as a night watch man in a museum. However he quickly discovers this is no ordinary museum- all the exhibits come to life at night...Okay, right away we can see Night at the Museum doesn't have much of an L.A. Confidential style plot. But this lets the character development suffer a bit as well, with Larry, who's pretty much the main character, dreadfully under-written and therefore hard to care about. I know it's only a family film and not an Oscar contender, but the plot and characterization is so flimsy and thinly veiled here surely it would effect even the kids enjoyment? You can tell things are desperate when old clichés are trotted out (Larry's a divorced dad trying to get a good job for his son, only to be over-shadowed by his new step dad, blah blah blah) and an endless parade of supporting actors, including Stiller's frequent partner Owen Wilson, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Robin Williams, Steve Coogan, Patrick Gallagher and Ricky Gervais are used to try and distract from the fact the film doesn't have any really great material and a lousy script. If the writers really wanted to be this lazy it wouldn't have been such a problem had it been ten or even twenty minutes shorter but at 104 minutes it makes it all quite a struggle to sit through without nodding off.It's not completely awful. Some of the special effects are very good and will entertain young children, Stiller, always a comic actor I could give or take, manages one or two funny scenes and it's got a nice, magical family premise to it.But it's a film focused mainly on having great special effects and putting appallingly little care into a decent story or characters you can care about. And, as Hollywood should have learned by now, that just ain't good enough. **
A must see movie!!!
posted on 10 Aug 2009There is no such thing as a perfect film. And 10 minutes into this movie you might be worried that you picked the wrong flick to pass the night away. But hang with it. This is a truly wonderful, magical, and family friendly movie.The comedy ranges from purely slapstick to really decent verbal repartee. There are at least a couple of non credited cameos. And the movie just seems to have more soul than many of the things tossed onto movie screens today. If you let yourself get lost in the magic of this movie, by the end you will walk out with a smile on your face. I haven't seen a feel good movie like this since Field Of Dreams.And BTW- Seeing Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney on the big screen at least one more time is worth the price of admission alone!! Do yourself a favor and see this movie!!!
Fulsome Festive Fayre
posted on 10 Aug 2009There is a lot that is derivative about this movie. The plot is Toy Story / Small Soldiers / Jumanji/ Nutcracker Suite thrown together and shaken down. Ben Stiller does what he always does, there is snow at Christmas and a cherubic kid, with Carla Guggini for the Dads. But it works.At 1 3/4 hours long it as at the edge of its welcome. But the plot is sufficiently well developed to carry you through (actually a coherent plot is quite welcome these days).What makes this film though is a series of disciplined cameos which carry you through those moments of Stiller overload. Ricky Gervais is a wonderfully British Museum Director, Steve Coogan a wacky Roman General, Robin Williams a warm hearted Teddy Roosevelt and Owen Wilson plays a brief effective role as a Frontiersman. Couple this with a combative performance from Dick Van Dyke as a retiring guard with a grudge and you have just enough to keep you going for the duration.Belly laughs are a bit thin on the ground, but try to keep a warm smile off your face and you will fail as a delightful, tight, limited plot unfolds.Fimly a children's film but with enough to keep adults engaged and amused.
Average to low
posted on 10 Aug 2009If you're still a fan of Ben Stiller's schtick, then you might like this. If Ben Stiller's schtick just isn't funny for you anymore, then this could be painful.Night At the Museum is the story of blah, blah, blah...why the hell would I write a summary in an IMDb review? Ricky Gervais borders on uncomfortable to watch. He's painted his masterpiece. Owen Wilson hasn't really been funny since the days of The Cable Guy and Meet the Parents. Steve Coogan looks like the nerd trying to run with the cool guys.Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dyke and Bill Cobbs are in the movie. I can't believe Mickey Rooney is still alive. He who was so carefree and vibrant at Judy Garland's side all those years ago.CGI isn't mesmerising.Little kids will probably like this.
Some laughs but too much juvenile comedy in uninspired plot
posted on 10 Aug 2009This is a watchable family film but nothing special. The basic plot has Ben Stiller trapped in a museum where everything comes alive at night. There's a lot of scope for comedy in this situation. Sadly, much of the humor is juvenile with peeing monkeys unlikely to elicit laughs from most of the audience. The film doesn't properly utilize Stiller's abilities as an actor. Robin Williams is all right as Teddy Roosevelt, although I expected more from him. Owen Wilson has a nice cameo. There's a sappy subplot about father-son bonding which never convinced me. Watchable with a hand on the FF button.Overall 5/10
Artifacts' Night Out
posted on 10 Aug 2009Good-hearted dreamer Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), despite being perpetually down on his luck, thinks he's destined for something big. But even he could never have imagined how "big," when he accepts what appears to be a menial job as a graveyard-shift night watchman at a museum of natural history.But during Larry's watch, something extraordinary happens: the museum's exhibits magically come to life. A fearsome T-Rex insists on a game of fetch (with one of his own skeleton bones); Mayans, Roman Gladiators, and cowboys emerge from their diorama to wage epic battles; and a wax figure of Teddy Roosevelt gives Larry important advice while harboring a crush for an Indian princess. As things spiral wildly out of control, Larry must find a way to control the magic to stop a nefarious plot and save the museum.Based upon the novel by Milan Trenc. Night At The Mueseum 9/10
Night at the Museum
posted on 08 Aug 2009This is one of the best movies of all times. I enjoyed it with my 14 year old grand-daughter. I can't remember when I have laughed so hard or been so entertained. But, the biggie here is that children (of all ages) can learn something from this movie. It teaches history, and how bullying (name calling) can hurt feelings and how never giving up allows one to achieve something in life. There is no sex or real violence - so many critics will probably discount it. I think everyone - especially children - should see and enjoy this wonderful movie. It is so refreshing to know there is a movie that everyone can see without fear of being embarrassed or terrorized.
Rubbish
posted on 08 Aug 2009Ben Stiller makes this film hard to watch. If it's supposed to be a comedy it isn't funny.The drama element is so pathetic it's unreal. Stiller plays a dad who gets a job as a night-watchman at a Museum where things come alive at night. And once you've seen that happen once, you've seen the whole film. Honestly.The supporting cast includes Mickey Rooney (painful to watch but still underused), Dick Van Dyke (totally unbelievable as a crook, sorry), Owen Wilson (rubbish in his role), Steve Coogan (wasted in his role) and Ricky Gervais (not funny in this or anything else ever).The plot is painfully thin, Robin Williams is totally wasted in the movie and they could have done so much more with the exhibits coming alive.I hated it. Avoid!
I enjoyed this movie
posted on 08 Aug 2009I went to see this movie having low expectations, but I can honestly say that this movie surprised me. The cast was perfect, and I thought that the plot was very unique, it's unlike anything out there right now.I really like how the whole museum comes to life and they interact together. It's a great way to see history but not get bored. I really enjoyed the movie and I think that they did an excellent job.I don't really have any criticism for this movie, because it wasn't all that bad. It's a great family film that all of your family will enjoy, and I recommend this movie to anyone that wants to see a good, wholesome comedy.
Immensely average, and a throwback to the 1980's
posted on 04 Aug 2009Nothing wrong with films in the 1980's, but for sure Hollywood was able to make some absolute crap that is only revered today for nostalgia reasons. I mean, Mannequin, kind of stupidly OK back in the 80's, kind of horrendous today.Night at the Museum feels like a 1980's movie with better effects. There is nothing particularly offensive about the film, Ben Stiller is agreeable enough (although playing much the same down character as always), the bit parts from the other famous faces was welcome, although Ricky Gervais' part was a complete waste of time.The story isn't anything really, more a series of 'plot' devices. I was going to see this at the cinema, but at the last moment decided not too. I unfortunately spent the money hiring it out on DVD, and it simply isn't worth the effort.Its hard to put my finger on all the problems with the movie. Ben Stiller really needs to change his character, the Ricky Gervais part was pointless, only Dick Van Dyke and Robin Williams saved this movie, but that seriously wasn't enough.
Great movie; entertaining and glossy
posted on 02 Aug 2009I gave this movie a 10 because it 1. It's entertaining 2. It has talented actors and veterans of the genre 3. It can be seen by the entire family, with no embarrassing dialogue or moments 4. It's mildly educational in that it arouses curiosity about the museum 5. It moves along at a good pace 6. It has funny twists 7. The colors are rich beautiful; no dark, drab, depressing filming here! 8. You feel good when you leave the theater 9. The plot is easy to follow, yet you don't know the exact outcome 10. It has a few new actors and actresses that will be fun to watch for in the future.I could list more, but don't listen to the so-called critics that want to cut this movie down. If you want to be entertained, learn a little history, and have a fun movie night, you can't go wrong with Night At The Museum.The only thing I don't like is the 'split-family' storyline; reminiscent of Mrs. Doubtfire; where the 'real' father is the loser that can't find a job. But I won't spoil the story in case you haven't seen it.Don't know why Owen Wilson wasn't credited; his is more than a cameo role; his role figures prominently in the storyline.This movie gets two-thumbs-up.If you haven't yet - visit the website www.nightatthemuseum.com. It is interactional.
WOW, Can I spend a night at the museum?
posted on 31 Jul 2009So heres the story, I decided to just go out and see this movie not knowing anything about it, only the title, and that Ben Stiller was in it... and that it was doing well at the box office. (that helped encourage me to see it)... I must say, that was the best Idea ever.. coming into this movie with no expectation's, I came out of it totally blown away, and wanting to see it again. Apparently this is supposed to be a family movie, (among action adventure and comedy) I guess it is a family movie in the way that it's seriously good enough to be watched by all ages, but it also could be a turn off to the average Stiller fan, maybe they think it won't be as funny or entertaining, but it is. I don't even know where to start with it's qualities, you really have to check it out for yourself. It is too bad that this is the kind of movie that would not likely have an opening for a equal sequel, cause it's truly an instant classic in my opinion.10/10
i just wasted 1 hour and 15minutes of my life
posted on 27 Jul 2009when i first saw the trailer for this movie,i thought..wow..this movie looks so lame and so cliché..i never wanted to watch it..until i heard that it's currently the top movie in America..so i thought..it can't be thaaaattt bad if it's the no.1 movie in the box office.WRONG!!!this movie was everything that i expected it to be.storyline is lame and the ending is....ooh,so predictable.and ben stiller??so NOT funny!!i think he did a terrible job as the the nightwatch.the storyline is already lame..and to have ben stiller as the lead??nightmare.the rest of the cast can be best describe as..so-so.robin williams and ricky gervais was highy disappointing..i thought they could at least save the show considering how funny they are in other movies..but sadly..they did not conclusion is that..this movie sucks.big time.you should not watch it even if you were given a free ticket.
A Children's Movie? No. A Movie Made By Children Perhaps...
posted on 25 Jul 2009Supposedly this is a family film that will delight children and adults alike. Well, I was delighted when it was over and I could get on to more important things in my life--like cleaning my cat's litter box. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought that a bunch of fifth grade kids wrote the script and that they figured that they'd just write down anything "cool" that came into their minds. No. That's insulting to fifth grade kids. They have a more logical sense of the world than this movie possesses. My cat's litter box has a more logical sense to it.I could go on and state how awful this whole mess was, but why bother? It's made it's millions and many actors I once respected are now laughing all the way to the bank. (Wish I was laughing somewhere during this movie. Well, my wife laughed during the entire movie. Actually, she was laughing at ME as I cringed at every line and "gag" in this turkey.) (The two commentary tracks on the DVD are actually pretty funny as the directors and writers speak of how fond and proud they all are of creating this mess. They actually sound as if they're in love with this piece of junk. To hear them gloat and slap each other on the back is incredibly amusing in an absurd sort of way.) This movie easily made it onto my list of "Worst Films of 2006."
Hey, it sure beats another "Pokemon" movie
posted on 23 Jul 2009Not bad, but not great. Not really scary, but not really funny. In short, not a memorable movie at all. However, it is a good movie to take younger kids to, and unlike most tweenage fare, like "Pokemon" and similar garbage, adults can actually tolerate this movie and probably smile and chuckle, too. As previously noted, the monkey segment was best.I took my two boys and a friend's son, all aged nine and ten, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. I was somewhat bored by it, and thought that most of it was pretty corny. A few times, I sank lower in my seat and actually closed my eyes for a snooze. Alas, I couldn't sleep. Mickey Rooney was pathetic and should have missed the casting call. It was interesting to see the twist on Dick Van Dyke's usual typecast good-guy. The special effects were pretty decent, although I am still nagged by one question: How did they clean up the place every night?
This movie is terrible
posted on 19 Jul 2009This film was truly terrible one of the worst films I have ever sat through, and I've seen Pearl Harbour. The story line was unbelievably clichéd with the boy who's mother had married a new man who was very successful but also boring, and the father who was a total failure but with dreams of bigger things.I know its meant to be light hearted but it is simply vacuous. The entire plot was probably written on the back of a cigarette packet which was then lost before filming commenced.For some reason an Egyptian Pharoe can speak the same language as Attila the Hun and a roman speaks English. Films like Jumanji are fun because they are really fantasy based so you can accept whatever happens.What completely undermines Night at the Museum is the very fact that it is set at a museum and an opportunity to provide children with a few facts along with a bit of fun is lost by a staggering degree of dumbing down
Surprisingly Bad
posted on 19 Jul 2009When I watch movies like "Night At The Museum" I am prepared to suspend disbelief, but this film was just atrociously bad in the logic and continuity department.From the beginning, I knew there was going to be trouble. I am not one who normally notices continuity issues, but the opening scene where Ben Stiller's ex-wife: holds a glass, is seen drinking from the glass, and is minus the glass, was so jarring, that I actually tracked back on the DVD to see what was up. And that was just for starters.As an example of the sheer idiocy of this film, Robin William's Teddy Roosevelt character admits that he is not really Teddy, but simply a wax mannequin.Really? So how come all the other wax mannequins in the film behave like the real people they allegedly were? And, weirder still, how come they all speak perfect English? Dick Van Dyke, Bill Cobbs and, worst of all, Mickey Rooney, are reduced to embarrassing mugging, and plot coherence goes completely out the window.In one scene a character from the caveman display turns to dust, but nobody notices the display has been altered? An Indian from the Lewis and Clark display gets liberated by a broken glass, yet the glass doesn't get replaced? Worst of all was the decision to have the Roosevelt character admit it was a mannequin. If so, nothing else in the film makes sense.Actually, this movie does not make sense on any level. It is the complete decision to not tie up a single loose end or inconsistency that makes this picture nearly unwatchable.
A good film for comedy, history, and family.
posted on 26 Aug 2009I saw this when it first came out with my family. We all enjoyed it and a few months later I bought the DVD. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the film is well-written and the acting is great. I have never laughed at Ben Stiller as much as I did in this film, and I've seen a lot of his work. The other characters are good too- Dick van Dyke in particular does well in his role. History is part of the theme and established well, and that is very good, as not many films do that these days. Some of the jokes, like the monkey, are unnecessarily gross, and some of the writing is hackneyed, but overall, it's a solid movie. Check it out, hope you enjoy.