Common Sense Media Review
By Yvonne Condes
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mediocre action "threequel" is livened by stellar cast.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 34 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie offers a mix of humor, adventure, and emotional moments, although opinions vary widely, with some praising it as the best of the trilogy while others find it disappointing. While there are light-hearted and funny scenes, darker themes and some mild profanity may not be suitable for younger viewers, but the overall message about friendship resonates positively.
- humor
- emotional moments
- dark themes
- mixed reviews
- friendship message
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The ancient tablet of Akmenrah is starting to die away -- and with it the magic that brought the exhibits in New York's Museum of Natural History to life. Night security guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) takes the gang -- including Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams in one of this last roles), Octavius (Steve Coogan), and Jedediah (Owen Wilson) -- to London to find out whether Akmenrah's parents know the secret that will save them all ... or if the end truly has come.
Is It Any Good?
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB is very similar in plot and themes to the first two Night at the Museum movies, but unfortunately it's much less fun. Larry is still a sad sack, only this time he's worried what his son, Nick (now a high school senior), will do with his life, as well as how he can save his friends at the museum. Stiller is frankly phoning it in for this last installment of the franchise (he's a bit better in his other role as the Neanderthal who thinks he's Larry's son); the times when the movie really comes to life are when Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) bursts into a scene with sword drawn as Sir Lancelot. And Ben Kingsley and Ajali Jay are perfect as pharaohs with the key to keeping the magic alive, and there are a couple of fun cameos near the end.
But overall there's not enough to make Secret of the Tomb worth seeing unless you're a diehard fan of the first two. The most poignant scenes occur not so much because of what's happening in the film, but because it's one of Williams' last appearances -- he played Roosevelt in all three movies. Not to give away too much, but he says goodbye in a touching way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the message behind all of the action and fancy effects. Why is it important to help your friends?
There are a few times when characters (Lancelot, Nick) feel like they're not being heard. Do you ever feel the same way? How do you handle it?
Did you notice anything in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb that wasn't historically accurate or was different from what you've learned in school? How could you find out more about the famous people and figures depicted here?
Larry has a hard time letting Nick make his own decisions. Do you think Nick should be allowed to decide whether or not he wants to go to college? Kids: What decisions do you wish were up to just you?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 19, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : March 10, 2015
- Cast : Ben Stiller , Robin Williams , Owen Wilson
- Director : Shawn Levy
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild action, some rude humor and brief language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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