Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
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The Story
Some time after the first “Night at the Museum” movie, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) finds unlikely success by starting his own business selling lame inventions on infomercials, but the money doesn’t make him happy. Back at the Museum of Natural History, all of the exhibits are being packed up and shipped to the Smithsonian Museum for long-term storage, replaced by computer-generated holographic displays.
Then Larry gets a call from Jedidiah Smith (Owen Wilson). Apparently the villainous Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria), brother of the benevolent Ahkmenrah from the original, is trying to steal the magical tablet that brings museum artifacts to life and unleash a horrible army from the underworld.
Larry springs to action, sneaking into the Smithsonian to find the tablet and rescue his friends. Along the way he picks up a sidekick, the infectiously peppy Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams). The misadventures abound as half the Smithsonian comes to life, including gangsters, items from the Air and Space Museum, and all kinds of art.
Content Issues
God’s name is used as profanity a few times, and there’s lots of mostly slapstick adventure violence. Larry and Amelia do some kissing, and we hear a couple of silly over-tots-heads sexual references. Also, the tablet is based on some kind of Egyptian magic, and the bad guy wants to call forth an “army of the damned” from the underworld.
Worldview Talking Points
The first “Night at the Museum” movie was a big hit with families back in 2006, and we’d expect this one to do well with kids, as well, though it might be a tad less fun for parents.
It’s largest worldview message has to do with Larry’s realization that he was happier as a night security guard hanging out with all of his historical friends than he is as a rich and successful businessman. It forces him to question what being successful really means.
Of course, all of the history coming to life in this story may open up some opportunities for conversation about history, art, and science. Our hope is that a few of the worldview questions below would also lead to a chance to talk to your son or daughter about issues of treasure.
- Which did you like better, the first “Night at the Museum” or this one?
- Which of the characters, current or historical, was your favorite in this film? Do you think there were too many characters?
- Do you have any favorite museums that you’ve been to in person?
- Of the museums you’ve seen with your own eyes, what artifacts or people would you want to see come to life? Any you would definitely not want to see come to life?
- How important is it that we learn about and understand history? Do you think it’s fun to study history? Do you think it matters today?
- In the film, Larry has become a successful businessman, but he’s not happy. Why is that?
- Do you think it’s possible to be poor or have a low-status job and still be happy? Why or why not?
- Jesus told his followers not to make their lives about getting “treasures” on earth. How much of our lives do you think should be about making money?
- Jesus said we should store up our treasures in heaven. How do we do that? Do you think our family is investing in any treasures for ourselves in heaven? How so?
- Do you think Larry will still be happy a month or two after the end of this film? Why or why not?
- Jesus said that where our treasure is, our hearts will be also. Where would you say your treasure is? Where do you think my treasure is?
- In the movie, Amelia was all about having fun—even sometimes when it cost her something valuable. How much should we care about having fun in life?
- It’s good to have fun, and sometimes having fun is a choice. Do you think our family works hard enough at having fun together? Do you think we ever worry too much about having fun?
- How can we have fun together and still work at serving others instead of ourselves?
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