Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

The third instalment of Shawn Levy's franchise begins with the discovery of Akhmenrah's tomb and the tablet - that brings life to the exhibitions within the museums in the first two films - by an archeologist and his son. We soon learn that Ben Stiller, as character Larry Daley, is still working with the museum on a night time event showcasing the oddly life like exhibitions. But with the tablet's corrosion resulting in obscure and unusual activity amongst the exhibitions, Larry tracks down the young boy from the beginning of the film - who turns out to be Cecil, the original night guard - and learns of a prophecy predicting doom. A group consisting of Larry, Roosevelt, Sacagawea, Attila, Dexter and others travel to London to meet with Akhmenrah's parents in the hopes of better understanding the prophecy. As with the second film, the tablet allows the characters in London's museum to come to life. Many strange moments ensue as the film follows the teams exploits in the UK and the discovery that the tablet and its owners must stay together. 

The film is certainly the concluding chapter to the franchise and leaves few windows open for later revival. With the replacement of Stiller by Rebel Wilson by the end of the film, I would be surprised, and disappointed, if Levy chose to continue producing more. Also, by this stage, the films have already explored the limited story lines that were available. There are only so many possibilities left for these characters, and it is better not to exhaust the original idea and lose fans along the way. And once we factor in the unfortunate passing of one of the films leading characters, Robin Williams, it would be disappointing to see the franchise continue without him.

As a British viewer, I find it problematic whenever the UK is stereotyped in American cinema. From the immediate arrival in England, Stiller encounters Rebel Wilsons character Tilly. The character is stereotypical and Wilson's accent is painful. Thankfully Dan Stevens, who plays Lancelot, is actually British. It frustrates me that with the abundance of brilliant British actors, vital roles are given to other nationalities. Wilson was no doubt hired off of the success of Pitch Perfect and her quick rise to fame following Bridesmaids. In an attempt to attract a larger audience and to include yet another famous name to the line up, Night at the Museum 3 fails to hit the mark for me.

This review is short because the film doesn't provide much food for thought. It is fine for a Sunday afternoon nursing a hangover but this film is a poor sequel to a sequel when the original was rather brilliant.