Very
seldom is a sequel as good as the original and even rarer is when the
sequel is even better. In most cases the sequel is worse and such is
the case with "Night of the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian".

What
was a good idea in the original--bringing museum pieces to life--is way
overdone here. The animation, the special effects, are stunning and
making paintings and photographs as sets for action amazes the audience.

So
what's wrong?? After a 1/2 hour the effects become excessive and the
story intrudes which, as in the first movie, is to teach Ben Stiller a
life lesson. I found myself nodding off more than once while waiting
for a laugh which are few and far between.

I
don't think acting even counts/matters in a film like this though there
is an all star cast playing characters ranging from Rodin's "The
Thinker", Teddy Roosevelt, Al Capone (in black and white), Ivan the
Terrible, a cowboy, Pocahontas, pharaohs, not to forget Lincoln and the
Lincoln Memorial!!!

Hank Azaria stands
out as a lisping, British accented, pharaoh and is also the voice of
The Thinker and Lincoln. Ben Stiller just repeats his role and
performance from the first film as does Robin Williams. The annoying
capuchin are back as is the slapping scene here extended way too long.

The
most interesting performance in the film is Amy Adams as Amelia Earhart
who could play any of the heroines in the 30s and 40s screwball
comedies.  Her comic timing is impeccable and she brings a much natural
needed sass to a bland story line.

Kids
will probably like the film and adults who saw the first one don't need
to see the sequel unless they want to take a nap while the kids look at
the come to life history figures or are just interested in different
aspects of animation.