A Disappointing End to a Once-Magical Series: A Review of “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb”
A tired conclusion to a children’s fantasy-adventure series that was already struggling to justify its ticket price.
Night watchman Larry (Ben Stiller) and his exhibit friends are living the high life at the Museum of Natural History, even entertaining visitors who believe they’re witnessing elaborate special effects rather than living statues and skeletons. Suddenly, the magical Egyptian tablet that brings the exhibits to life each night begins to lose its power and shrink in size. Young Pharaoh Ahkmenrah (Rami Malek) explains that his parents, on display at the British Museum, should know how to “recharge” the tablet. Larry, along with his son and a few exhibits, sets off to London to inquire about the wondrous artifact from Pharaoh Merenkahre (Ben Kingsley).
After squeezing out two relatively engaging installments of this children’s fantasy blockbuster about the antics of museum exhibits, the creators of the series seem to have run out of steam and given up. In essence, “Secret of the Tomb” isn’t a new “Night at the Museum” movie, but rather a 98-minute epilogue that’s unlikely to captivate even those who are genuinely fond of the series’ characters (though, frankly, who is there to truly adore?).
Lackluster Plot and Missing Villain
To appreciate the shoddy script of “Secret,” it’s enough to say that the film lacks a true villain. While Sir Lancelot, who comes to life in London, decides at one point that the Egyptian tablet is the Holy Grail and steals it to complete his “mystical quest,” the noble knight can’t remain a rogue for long and is quickly and peacefully brought to his senses. This brief diversion is the extent of “Secret’s” plot drama. There’s also a small battle with a resurrected Eastern dragon and the eruption of a volcano model, dangerous only to the film’s miniature characters, the cowboy and the Roman legionary. Both occur in the middle of the film, and after this burst of activity, the dramatic temperature of “Secret” never rises above room temperature. It’s a shame, a real shame. Even weak blockbuster scripts are usually far more suspenseful and engaging.
Crystal the Capuchin monkey has been acting in films since 1997. She debuted in “George of the Jungle” and has since played over twenty roles in film and television.
Endless Conversations and Missed Opportunities
So, what does “Secret” offer instead of exciting adventures in the British Museum and the British capital? Wandering through halls and conversations, conversations, conversations. It’s as if this isn’t a blockbuster, but a low-budget, talky tragicomedy of the kind that aspiring independent directors love to make. Larry and his son, for example, spend a long time and often discuss the boy’s plans for life. Nicky wants to go to Ibiza as a DJ after school, while Larry insists that he shouldn’t be idle but should go to university. Nicky retorts that his father has done well at the museum, even though he didn’t study at any university… And so on in the same vein. Over time, other characters join the discussion, but it doesn’t stop it from being a pointless exercise. Of course, it’s important for Larry and Nicky what the boy will do after graduation. But what do viewers care? We won’t see either the university or Ibiza!
Of the same worthless series is the secondary plot, in which a Neanderthal exhibit similar to Larry (made by the museum staff to poke fun at the watchman) first declares himself Larry’s son and then falls in love with Tilly, a watchman at the British Museum. The latter is played by Rebel Wilson from “Bridesmaids” and “Pitch Perfect,” and if this buxom comedian had been made the main character of “Secret,” she probably could have given a new charge of energy to the depleted series. However, Wilson’s participation is reduced to a lengthy and awkward cameo. Which, by the way, is offensive to girls with an impressive figure. Like, if you have such forms, then you can only attract a barely able to speak prehistoric savage. A completely inappropriate joke for a children’s film. Although in “Secret” it is, perhaps, in its place - among the exhibits that have long outlived their usefulness. Next to the “coolly peeing monkey” (yes, this is a very, very cultural film).
Actor Hugh Jackman first appeared on stage as Little Arthur in the musical “Camelot.” It was a production in his native Sydney, and he was only five years old at the time.
Tired Jokes and Lack of Originality
What other powerful jokes do the writers of “Secret” delight the audience with? The same old, tired ones as mentioned above. Roman soldiers comment on funny cat videos on YouTube and write the comment LOL. Robin Williams, in his last or penultimate appearance on screen, primly grimaces when the magic that revived his character (President Theodore Roosevelt) begins to fail. Sir Lancelot, in search of Camelot, wanders into the musical of the same name, where King Arthur is played by Hugh Jackman… The best joke of the last fragment - Jackman in a royal costume begins to portray Wolverine. You’ll die laughing…
In short, everywhere you look – wretchedness, despondency, and fatigue. There’s nothing to laugh at, no one to worry about (except perhaps for poor lonely Tilly), nothing to admire. The circus is closed, the clowns have scattered.