Night at the Museum: **

Going into this movie, I'd heard that it was funnier than "Meet the Parents," which seems to a popular standard for "funny" these days. I think one reviewer even said that it's Ben Stiller's best movie yet. Um yeah. I think that reviewer was smoking crack.

The premise behind "Night at the Museum" is that after dark, all the museum's sculptures, wax figures, etc. come to life. Ben Stiller is hired as the night watchman, who has the unconventional task of keeping everything IN (rather than out). The first night that he discovers that everything is alive is kinda funny. There's a crazy monkey (and you know, monkeys are always funny). Owen Wilson also does a decent job as a Wild West figure that comes to life. (and Wilson and Stiller always seem to find a good groove together)

Most of the supporting actors were rather annoying. There were the night security guards that Stiller replaced (Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney), who were all solidly un-funny. Robin Williams plays Teddy Roosevelt, who happens to be in love with the Sacagawea figure. YAWN. And there was also a lame sub-plot of Stiller trying to impress his son with his new job.

Gosh, with all this said, I'm not sure why I'm giving the movie 2 stars. But I guess it's a good flick for kids. Or if you just want something pretty lighthearted, and you don't go into it expecting much, I think the movie will deliver.

Just don't expect "Meet the Parents" kinda funny. Because that it is most definitely NOT.