Battle of the Smithsonian has plenty of life. But it's Adams who gives it zing.
75
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Nothing elegant about Adams here, but she's terrific -- a sparkling screen presence. Her Earhart hoists this big-budget sequel above the routine.
70
Village Voice
Village Voice
Though it's a little slow to start and some of the humor clunks, the film features a wholesome charm, some truly dazzling effects (the Lincoln Memorial alone is worth it), and enough mild, parent-nip in-jokes to keep all but the stone-hearted happy.
60
Empire
Empire
It’s funnier this time, but still veers noticeably from kid-friendly slapstick to adult-friendly banter.
60
The Hollywood ReporterMichael Rechtshaffen
The Hollywood ReporterMichael Rechtshaffen
Some of that frenetic running around has been replaced by inspired effects sequences and amusing riffs by the talented cast, especially new arrivals Hank Azaria and Amy Adams.
50
Variety
Variety
Where the original had a vaguely tenable narrative hook (deadbeat dad finds redemption through nocturnal heroics), the new pic seems purely a vehicle for lavish visuals and cheap gags.
38
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Oh, did I dislike this film. It made me squirm. Its premise is lame, its plot relentlessly predictable, its characters with personalities that would distinguish picture books.
38
Boston GlobeTy Burr
Boston GlobeTy Burr
It's bigger, noisier, shinier, and dumber, and it has no earthly reason to exist.
25
Miami HeraldRene Rodriguez
Miami HeraldRene Rodriguez
Even Ben Stiller looks bored out of his mind in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, and he got paid several million dollars to star in it.