Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)

The critic finds the film silly, cheerful and entertaining, despite some sentiment that threatens to blunt its invention. They single out the Smithsonian gallery sequence, where paintings and sculptures join the action, as its extra punch.

French finds the sequel superior to its predecessor despite its near-repeat premise. He praises the astonishing special effects and the film’s upbeat spirit.

The review finds the sequel improved and entertaining, though it still feels like loosely connected bits rather than a cohesive whole. It especially praises the visual effects bringing famous artworks to life, along with Amy Adams’s spirited Amelia Earhart.

The visible page identifies this as a review but does not reveal the critic’s verdict. The paywall also conceals what the critic praises or criticizes.

The page returned only an access error, so the critic’s verdict and specific praise or complaint cannot be established. No review text was available to summarize.

The critic finds it a faster, funnier improvement on the first film, but still a disappointment. Amy Adams’s Amelia Earhart and Hank Azaria’s villain stand out, while slapstick and pop-culture gags squander the family-friendly historical potential.

The review gives this lively sequel a moderately favorable verdict. It highlights the witty exchanges with Kahmunrah and the colorful historical villains.

Schager finds the sequel flat and unable to deliver wonder, mirth, or suspense. He praises Amy Adams’s buoyant performance as an antidote to the film’s crowded, chaotic proceedings.

The critic finds the sequel virtually plotless and regards it as a disappointing follow-up. They single out the loss of the original film’s deadbeat-dad drama as one sign of how little story remains.

Sharkey finds the sequel silly and overstuffed, with too much pointless slapstick to make it work as a movie. She praises Amy Adams’s lively, stylish performance as Amelia Earhart.

Loewenstein finds the sequel overstuffed and less engaging than its predecessor, with spectacle and gags standing in for a stronger story. She praises the animated artworks, especially the hopping Balloon Dog, while criticizing the film’s lack of focus on Larry.

Tobias finds the sequel chaotic, unfunny, and less coherent than the original, despite a few marginal improvements. He singles out Amy Adams’s plucky Amelia Earhart performance for praise, while criticizing the crowded special effects and baffling plot.

Realf finds the sequel bigger and more spectacular, and recommends it as good family fun despite its predictable plot. She praises the imaginative special effects, while noting that Amy Adams’s portrayal becomes grating.

The critic finds the sequel entertaining but bloated and less charming than the original. Hank Azaria’s performance as Kahmunrah stands out, while the overcrowded plot and CGI-heavy spectacle weaken the film.

Hague considers the sequel a cynical, humorless disappointment that falls far short of the original. He singles out Hank Azaria’s Kahmunrah as a scene-stealing highlight amid a wasted cast.