Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Perhaps my memory of the first installment of this story has faded, but this movie felt more fun than the first. I liked the first one - enough to watch this one. And I'm glad I did. There were some good lines and some great nods to other films.

Can you spot the tip of the hat to Indiana Jones films, Apollo 13, Top Gun, and others?

Ben Stiller reprises his role as the Night Guard at the museum who alone knows the secret of what happens after closing. Hank Azaria steals the show however, with all three of his characters. Amy Adams is very fun as Amelia Earhart. Robin Williams is back as Teddy Roosevelt as are others. Alain Chabat is great as Napoleon.

Voice talent is interesting too here and includes the Jonas Brothers, Eugene Levy, and Brad Garrett. Surprise!

Watch this movie with someone who has a very good imagination and likes going to museums.

Run Fatboy Run

Simon Pegg and company do a passable job of bringing this story to screen. Hank Azaria is the token yank and as such is pretty much as unlikeable as possible. In fact few characters here, if any, are a pleasure to watch.

Another sad thing is that script and this cast should have been capable of many more laughs. It seemed sad to me that the first good belly laugh came 35 minutes into the film. After that, there were a few, but up to that point not many. Director David Schwimmer should have taken the horse by reigns and make this movie less predictable and more funny.

Maybe my expectations were too high for this one? I was thinking up in the stratosphere nearer "Sean of the Dead" not down in the stale basement with the likes of "Nacho Libre".

If you must, watch this movie with someone who does not run for pleasure.