Night At The Museum 2

Rating:

* * *

Verdict:

Another history lesson. More of the same, and a little funnier than the original.

Just like its predecessor,

Night at the Museum 2

brings history to life. Ben Stiller's back, having chased his mates from the exhibits at the New York Museum of Natural History and the magic tablet with the reanimation powers to the even longer halls of Washington's Smithsonian Institution.

There, Stiller's Larry has to stop Ivan the Terrible, Napoleon Bonaparte, Al Capone and Pharoah Kahmunrah from taking over the world, though this time he's happy to step back a little and share the spotlight with the special effects and large ensemble cast of historical figures, assorted animals etc that come to life.

It must have been daunting deciding which of the Smithsonian's 136 million items to use, but the two main newcomers are inspired choices, thanks to the actors portraying them. Amy Adams sparkles on screen as the sassy, adventurous Amelia Earhart, and Hank Azaria steals the show as Kahmunrah with his silly Monty Pythonesque lisp.

Apart from a few clunky moments with miniature characters such as Octavius (Steve Coogan) and Jedediah Smith (Owen Wilson), the special effects are better than in round one, especially the action sequences in theAir and Space Museum.

NATM2'

s mix of deadpan humour and slapstick should appeal to both kids and adults, and the ease between the actors will have you wondering which lines were scripted and which adlibbed.

Of course, you're not going to learn more than a few basic facts about the famous figures featured, but by turning history into easy light entertainment this film might just encourage the younger audience's interest in history.

Francesca Rudkin

Cast:

Ben Stiller, Robin Williams

Director:

Shawn Levy

Running time:

105 mins

Rating:

PG (some scenes may scare very young children)