Night at The Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014) Review

The most moving moment in film this year came from the most unlikely of movies. That moment was Robin Williams' last scene in his last film, the third in the Night at the Museum series. The movie itself was okay in its own right but that final scene is something that transcends it. Oddly enough this third, and presumably final, Museum film also included Mickey Rooney's last scene on film, making it a kind of "in memory of" piece. For most audience members the film won't be more than just that, but it is neither a bad way to end the series or a bad swan song for Robin Williams.

I can honestly say that whoever outlined the plot of this last installment did a good job. Unlike the atrocious second film in this series, this film seems like an interesting and natural sequel to the first film. It allows us to meet up new characters but also for those characters to face new challenges. I don't really need to go into detail because if you wanted a synopsis you would just use IMDb. what I will say is that this film involves our heroes going to the British Museum in order to protect the magic which allows them, as museum exhibits, to come alive at night. The reason I think the plot is better outlined then the second film is that here the universe of the film is actually explored further and we get new perspectives of the characters we thought we knew. The second film was just a bad retreading of the first film.

I said the plot was "outlined" well because unfortunately the execution is very hit-and miss. Some of the jokes are alright, but some just go a bit too far, and some are just plain awkward. It's really a shame that the dialogue does not live up to the premise because this could have been a very good comedy, but, as it is, its just passably enjoyable. In terms of direction and acting there is not much to say. Ben Stiller carries the film pretty well and the supporting cast bring back their characters nicely. Robin Williams is by far the best of the lot and there is something powerful about seeing his last screen outing. Overall I recommend seeing this for that reason alone, that it is Robin Williams last film and that his final scene may be one of the most powerful things you see all year, 3/5

The Lego Movie (2014)

As the first movie that I saw of 2014 the Lego Movie holds a special place. It was a fantastic start to this year of movies and I can honestly say that watching the Lego Movie was one of the most pleasantly surprising cinematic experiences I have ever had.

I am going to refrain from giving a plot synopsis of this film because I honestly feel that viewers should go into this as in the dark as possible. All I will say is that it is truly a Lego Movie. The cast here is fantastic. It includes Chis Pratt, Will Ferrell, Liam Neeson, Will Arnett, and Morgan Freeman. If that sounds like a fun cast to you than you would be right. You just get the feeling that all of these actors were just having a blast making this movie and it shows. The humor in this film is razor sharp and will go far over the heads of many kids who see this film. In fact I would say that adults may actually find more to enjoy in the Lego Movie than their children will. That's not to say that there isn't plenty for the younger ones to enjoy, there is, but this film is really almost geared towards an older audience.

The best thing about the Lego Movie is its storytelling and its originality. There are so many films these days trying to be like Pixar that it was refreshing to see a movie not trying to follow that mold. The Lego Movie feels unique and exciting in a way that animated movies quite frankly haven't for a couple of years. The cast and the humor in this film work on many levels and the whole experience will leave you smiling as the credits roll. I would recommend wholeheartedly seeing it for yourself because quite frankly the Lego Movie is awesome, period. 5/5!