NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIUM 3.5*** This is one of those rare instances of where the sequel is better than the original. It is BIGGER and BETTER and so much more fun. BIGGER by having the hugely popular museums of the Smithsonian and Washington Monuments as the story’s playground which provides a far greater variety of exhibits, including famous pictures, that can come to life. It’s BETTER because Stiller and the rest of the gang is back, the new wonderful additions of Amy Adams and Hank Azaria, the special effects are more awesome and the action is well paced.

The story’s premise is simple but brilliant. The Museum of Natural History in NYC where the first “Museum” movie took place is being closed for upgrades and renovations, and most of the museum pieces are being boxed up and moved into permanent storage at the famous Smithsonian. Larry (Ben Stiller) learns of this and sets off for Washington with a rescue mission in mind. The centerpiece of the film becomes the Smithsonian which houses the world's largest collection of items…more than136 million …a very, very fertile ground for this “exhibits coming to life” extravaganza.

Ben Stiller continues his perfected deadpan straight man routine. Amy Adams is sparkling, exhilarating and sexy as Amelia Earhart and provides just the right feisty female counterpart to Stiller. Hank Azaria plays the evil Pharaoh Kahmunrah and is amazing in how he voices his role with a cheap Boris Karloff imitation overlaid with a heavy effeminate lisp….it is hilarious. Added to the mix are General Custer, Al Capone, Ivan The Terrible and Napoleon.

There are so many funny and fascinating sequences in this story of magic, mayhem and mirth. There is one scene in particular that highlights the flavor of the film when the evil "Pharaoh" sits in Archie Bunker's chair, wearing Muhammad Ali's robe and throwing away Judy Garland's Wizard of Oz slippers, all of which are actually on display at the Smithsonian!

The other really nice thing about this film is that the whole family can see it…no bad scenes, language or anything offensive, and whether 3 or 93, you can follow the story. Also, it is showing at the IMAX theatres where I saw it and that adds an extra WOW factor.