Stars Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Dan Stevens, Skyler Gisondo, Rebel Wilson, Rami Malek, Mizuo Peck with Ricky Gervais, Dick Van Dyke. Mickey Rooney and Ben Kingsley Directed by Shawn Levy A farewell in more ways than one as we take in one more Night at the Museum to cap the series, and it’s a romp of an adventure. The film-makers don’t even try to capture a new audience with events kicking off in the deep end, the museum having all its displays alive and kicking, no explanation needed. Even then, the plot revolves around the magical device that brings the exhibits to life losing its power. In order to fix the problem, they troupe led by Larry (Ben Stiller) head for the British Museum where Mahrenkahre (Ben Kingsley), father to Ahkmenrah (Rami Malek), may know how to fix the problem, since he was the one who had the magic tablet made in the first place. As far as plots go, it’s simple and easy. So a secondary plot involving Larry’s problems with his son, Nick (Skyler Gisondo) who intends to not go to college in favour of being a DJ in Ibiza, is injected into the proceedings. This leads to a different theme for the movie by the end. Let’s just say if you enjoyed the previous instalments, you’ll enjoy this as it’s more of the same. It was just a matter of getting to the British Museum and then, it’s a trek through new or similar effects, which includes diving into a painting/illustration (like diving into a photograph in the previous instalment). The stars are obviously incredibly comfortable with their characters, and even the newcomers get in on the fun, particularly Dan Stevens as Lancelot and Rebel Wilson as Larry’s British counterpart, Tilly. Stiller pulls double duty adding a caveman look-alike to the mix. A pair of surprising, uncredited cameos simply add to the fun. Ultimately, it’s all about letting go of things you have no control over, and it makes a bittersweet farewell to not only Robin Williams, but Mickey Rooney as well who passed away much earlier in the year. Both of them get a tribute over the end credits, and coupled with Roosevelt’s words to Larry, it becomes more than just a touching tribute. If anything, it’s a high point on which Williams leaves us, which makes his passing all the more tragic. Still, it is a romp and there’s fun to be had. While I didn’t care too much for the first movie, I enjoyed the second and this entry keeps par. The jokes hit more than miss, and while there is some sentimentality, it isn’t forced. That makes it worth wasting a couple of hours. Rating: ***1/2 / 5
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