Synopsis
Hapless museum night watchman Larry Daley must help his living, breathing exhibit friends out of a pickle now that they've been transferred to the archives at the Smithsonian Institution. Larry's (mis)adventures this time include close encounters with Amelia Earhart, Abe Lincoln and Ivan the Terrible.
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Cast
- Ben StillerLarry Daley
- Amy AdamsAmelia Earhart
- Owen WilsonJedediah Smith
- Hank AzariaKahmunrah / The Thinker / Abe Lincoln
- Robin WilliamsTheodore Roosevelt
- Christopher GuestIvan the Terrible
- Alain ChabatNapoleon Bonaparte
- Steve CooganOctavius
- Ricky GervaisDr. McPhee
- Bill HaderGeorge Armstrong Custer
Recommendations
- 83
Entertainment Weekly
Battle of the Smithsonian has plenty of life. But it's Adams who gives it zing. - 75
Chicago Tribune
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
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
It’s funnier this time, but still veers noticeably from kid-friendly slapstick to adult-friendly banter. - 60
The Hollywood Reporter
Some of that frenetic running around has been replaced by inspired effects sequences and amusing riffs by the talented cast, especially new arrivals Hank Azaria and Amy Adams.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
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-Times
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 Globe
It's bigger, noisier, shinier, and dumber, and it has no earthly reason to exist.
