NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM, directed by Shawn Levy is everything one would expect from a family film with that title and from a director with whose credits include CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN and THE PINK PANTHER - A HOME ALONE (MUSEUM was executively produced by Chris Columbus) type comedy.

The story is centred on well intentioned divorced dad, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller).  He accepts a job at the Museum of Natural History but accidentally lets loose an ancient curse that causes the animals and historical figures on display to come to life and wreak havoc.  Of course, in the process, he comes to terms and impresses his son, Nick (Jake Cherry) with the help of characters like Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams) while helping out Roman gladiator Octavius (Steve Coogan) and cowboy Jed (Owen Wilson).

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM is executed with sufficient spirit by director Levy and actors but the film is an extremely unimaginative clichéd bland affair.  Figures coming to life in the dead of night have been amusing kids from oldies like TOM THUMB to the more recent Pixar’s TOY STORIES.  Ben Stiller tries his hardest to be amusing and hilarious and almost elicited a laugh from me during the primate scene.  Even comedians Williams and Ricky Gravis (form the Brit TV series, THE OFFICE) are hugely wasted in roles catered to fit the family mould.  The special effects are impressive and work well to create sufficient awe for the younger audiences.

But if family fare like HOME ALONE and the sequels is the type of entertainment one is looking for, then NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM will hit all the right spots and more.  At least NIGHT is consistent in its humour and messages.  (HOME ALONE had unexpected bouts of violence).  The audience at the preview screening seemed to enjoy the film judging from the loud applause when the credits rolled.  I just remembered the fact that I did not laugh once during the entire exercise.