Night at the Museum

LIGHTWEIGHT family comedies might not be the first cinematic choice for many people but this film sets the right tone for just after the festivities.
Night At The Museum tells the story of everyman Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) who must get some work fast in order to stop himself getting evicted and prevent disappointing his son for the umpteenth time.
Running out of options, Larry begrudgingly accepts a job as night watchman at the museum of natural history and soon realises that all is not as it seems.
It is a necessary but dull plot that sets the events into motion but is a bit frustrating when you're just itching for the action to start.
But when it does kick in it's an absolute feast for the eyes with everything in the museum, great and small, coming to life in a computer-generated spectacle.
Expect a skeleton tyrannosaurus, Attila the Hun, a tiny Roman Empire, Teddy Roosevelt and a miscreant monkey all running amok as Larry struggles to survive and do his job.
It is almost reminiscent of 1995's Jumanji but with more quirky humorous charm thanks to an outstanding, eclectic cast. Most noteworthy is Diagnosis Murder legend Dick Van Dyke as retiring night watchman as well as a sterling performance by Steve Coogan as Roman Emperor.
Ricky Gervais also makes an appearance as museum manager but his role is fleeting and a little disappointing.
Overall, Night At The Museum is too formulaic and fizzles out towards the end but younger viewers will really enjoy it.