Night at the Museum: When History Comes Alive (and Gets Kind of Goofy)
“Night at the Museum” (2006) feels a bit like a field trip brought to life – a cinematic adventure seemingly designed to boost attendance at the New York Museum of Natural History. The premise is simple: what if the museum’s exhibits came alive each night? It’s a concept ripe with possibilities, and one that’s been explored in various forms countless times before. The key, of course, is in the execution.
The idea of characters leaping from the pages of books, portraits engaging in lively debates, and zoo animals holding articulate conversations when the moon rises is a familiar trope, but it retains its appeal. However, director Shawn Levy’s approach in “Night at the Museum” can feel somewhat labored. The film spends a considerable amount of time on exposition and establishing the protagonist’s backstory before unleashing the historical hijinks that audiences are actually there to see.
Audiences eager to witness mummies emerging from sarcophagi and historical figures coming to life through a talking statue of Columbus must first wade through the family drama surrounding Ben Stiller’s character. The narrative delves into his struggles with his ex-wife, his frequent job changes, and his attempts to connect with his soon-to-be stockbroker son, heavily influenced by his new stepfather. As if that’s not enough, the film includes a scene at the unemployment office, seemingly added for comic effect.
Museum Mayhem Begins
Eventually, Stiller’s character lands a job as a night watchman, replacing three soon to retire veterans of the night keeping business, played by comedy legends (Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs). These actors manage to steal the spotlight from Stiller, whose role primarily involves running around in a confused state.
Initially, he bolts from a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, initially unaware that the fossil just wants to play fetch. He then finds himself in a comical chase with a key-stealing capuchin monkey and gets captured by miniature figures from the diorama hall. The tiny figures swarm him, tying him down with threads and launching a toy train at his noggin – echoing the classic scene of Gulliver among the Lilliputians.
Not so Historical accuracy
The protagonist’s forehead demonstrates impressive resilience. He manages to deal with leaders of warring factions - with the leadership roles being played by Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan.
Ideally, you would expect Cowboys would be battling Native Americans，rather than they’d be fighting with Romans. Though the filmmakers seem don’t care about those historical accuracies. They are also very lenient for the protagonist, who apparently don’t know who is actual president’s number is.
Roosevelt and Reflections
Robin Williams embodies wisdom portraying the life-sized wax figure of Teddy Roosevelt， who possess the attribute of common sense and composure. Though Roosevelt is sometimes being tested and challenged by the famous Native American guide Sacagawea, who in reality led the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific Ocean.
Roosevelt is the only exhibit in the chaotic museum capable of reflection and self-analysis，being a simple and mere replica. “I’m made of wax, but what are you made of?” asking the night guard in a moment of crisis. The guard struggled answering the question, just like he was perplexed by his son’s question: “What if you’re just a regular person who has to go to work?” when looking at him, a such thought might crossing in our mind.
The paternal theme gradually overshadows the “Night at the Museum”, which eventually becomes an indispensable film for “weekend” fathers who want to seeks the connectivity with their children and be a great role models in children life.