Nachts im Museum (Night at the Museum) 
U.S.A.
2006
Opening 28 Dec 2006
Directed by:
Shawn Levy
Writing credits:
Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon
Principal actors:
Stefán Karl Stefánsson, Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke
Shawn Levy (The Pink Panther 2006) directs Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Owen Wilson in an entertaining movie caper for the whole family, written by Thomas Lennon.
Larry Daley (Stiller) is desperate for a job, but night watchman at the Natural History Museum in New York is not exactly what he had in mind. His elderly predecessors (Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney), however, convince him to give it a go. Armed with an instructions manual and a bunch of mysterious hints, Larry settles down for his first night alone in the silent, empty halls. Silent and empty they do not remain for long. Gradually all the exhibits come to life, from the wax statue of Roosevelt (Williams) and the tiny figures (including Wilson) from the various miniature displays, to the wild African animals and the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. Roosevelt is Larry's guide through the ensuing chaos, explaining that for the past fifty years, since a magical, gold tablet from Egypt was brought to the museum, the same incredible event happens every night. There's nothing to worry about, the president explains – though Larry would beg to disagree –, as long as none of the museum inhabitants are outside the building at sunrise. If they are, they turn to dust.
Larry is totally freaked by the experience and plans to resign immediately; but his young son's expectations that he will, at last, hold down some sort of a job, make him change his mind. For his second night he plans a careful strategy to keep one step ahead of the mischievous and, at times, dangerous exhibits. In the meantime, he little suspects that the former night watchmen are hatching a plan to steal the golden tablet (its magical power fills the aged men with great vitality) and leave Larry to take the blame. Night at the Museum may well capture the imagination of the child within each of us. A fun adventure that will provide good entertainment for the whole family. (Osanna Vaughn)
