Film review: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (3 out of 5)

Both reprise their roles in this final part of the franchise’s very lucrative trilogy.

It’s not the movie that shows them at their best, but at least they will be seen by millions.

Back in 2006 when the first ‘Night at the Museum’ film surfaced it seemed to be on a winner with its impressive cast and novel scenario of the exhibits all coming to life at night.

The second one in 2009 kept the pace up and this latest (and I’m presuming final) instalment keeps to the familiar formula which will delight many.

Personally I would have liked to have seen director of all three, Shawn Levy, take a few more risks. However, ‘if it ain’t broke...’

For those new to the franchise, Ben Stiller plays Larry Daley, the nightwatchman at the Museum of Natural History.

Over the films he has made close friends with the likes of Teddy Roosevelt (Williams), Attila the Hun (Patrick Gallagher), Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and Octavius (Steve Coogan).

This time the exhibits start to act weirdly and the icon that is the source of the magic is failing.

In an attempt to save his friends, Larry, along with the gang, travels to London and they have all kinds of adventures.

Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect) has a decent role but sports a rather strange accent that meanders across the south of England.

A measure of the movie is that Dexter the monkey has some of the best moments and, in fact, has been the star across all three films.

For me, though, it was great to see Robin Williams for one last role.

It’s easy to read too much into his performance but there are farewell lines towards the end that certainly brought a lump to the throat.

Film details: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG) 97mins

Director: Shawn Levy

Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson

Screening courtesy of Horsham Capitol