Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, fast-paced sequel is more upbeat than the original.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
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Where to Watch
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Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 45 parent reviews
Based on 74 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a fun, fast-paced sequel that retains the lightheartedness of the original, though it does lack some of its charm and creativity. While it entertains with humor and adventure, parents have noted concerns about mild inappropriate language and some suggestive content, making it better suited for slightly older children.
- fun sequel
- lightheartedness
- mild language
- family-friendly
- adventure
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Having left the halls of Manhattan's Museum of Natural History behind for a successful career designing and marketing products like a glow-in-the-dark flashlight, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) is dismayed when he finds out that all of his museum pals are being shipped off to deep storage at the Smithsonian to make way for new high-tech exhibits. But soon a distress call from miniature cowboy Jed (Owen Wilson) brings Larry to D.C., where he must outsmart cranky ancient Egyptian Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria) if he wants to save his friends. With the help of spunky pilot Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), Larry just might come through -- but not before the entire Smithsonian museum complex comes to chaotic, colorful life.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of the first Night at the Museum should enjoy this fun, fast-paced sequel -- which has just as many impressive effects as the first and a slightly more upbeat (if not more original) story. Larry is no longer a sad-sack divorced dad but a successful businessman who just needs a little course correction to get back to doing what he really loves. And even though the basic premise -- museum exhibits come to life at night with the help of a magic Egyptian tablet -- is the same as in the first movie, moving the action to the Smithsonian means that everything takes place on an even grander scale. Here, it's not just dioramas and dinosaur skeletons that perk up when the sun goes down -- sculptures roam the hallways, paintings move (shades of Harry Potter), and airplanes soar.
Like the plot, Stiller's performance is pretty much identical to the first movie -- he's wry, dry, and expert at tossing off quips. Adams is a welcome addition as the perky, slang-talking Earhart (even though her romantic interest in Larry seems a bit forced); Saturday Night Live's Bill Hader is manically charming as a blustery General Custer; and Azaria turns Kahmunrah into a somewhat more peevish version of The Blue Raja, the dandified underdog he played in Mystery Men. Other fun cameos abound, but, frankly, kids probably won't notice or care -- they'll be too busy watching the living exhibits fight and frolic. Battle of the Smithsonian may not be destined for a museum itself, but it's plenty of fun for adventure-loving tweens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the message behind all of the fancy effects. Why is it important to do what makes you happy?
How is Larry inspired to go after his dreams? How have his dreams changed since the first movie?
Families can also discuss the historical figures and events that the movie touches on. How could you learn more about Amelia Earhart, the Tuskegee Airmen, and other characters featured in the movie? Parents: Channel kids' excitement about the movie into a library trip or online history session.
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 22, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : December 1, 2009
- Cast : Amy Adams , Ben Stiller , Hank Azaria , Owen Wilson
- Director : Shawn Levy
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild action and brief language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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