Film.com's FREE movie of the week is "Love the Hard Way." Oscar-winner Adrien Brody and Charlotte Ayanna star in this drama about a thief who falls for a curious, beautiful young woman. As their intimacy grows, a slick cop (Pam Greer) is closing in.
Night has fallen upon the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The guides have gone home, the lights are out, the school kids are tucked in their beds, yet something incredible is stirring as former night guard Larry Daley finds himself lured into his biggest, most imagination-boggling adventure yet in which history truly comes alive. In this second installment of the Night at the Museum saga, Larry faces a battle so epic it could only unfold in the corridors of the world's largest museum. Now, Larry must try to save his formerly inanimate friends from what could be their last stand amid the wonders of the Smithsonian, all of which, from the famous paintings on the walls to the rocket ships in the halls, suddenly have a mind of their own.
"I'd call it a little above average and recommend it to families looking for an innocent summer escape."
Way back in 2006 I gave the original Night at the Museum a B-, a nice grade given the film was made for people under double digits. I'm saddened to report that this version isn't quite as good as the…
PETER TRAVERS -
May 21, 2009
If this movie were a museum exhibit — you know, a hologram where kids can watch paintings and sculptures come to life — it'd be great fun for about five or 10 minutes. But Night At the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian drags on for a punishing 104 minutes. The money shots of the living tableau are padded with jokes that feel embalmed before the actors get them out of their mouths. The first film in the series, 2006's plain old Night At the Museum, was even four minutes longer so I guess I…
PETER TRAVERS -
May 21, 2009
