The latest entry in Shawn Levy’s franchise, Night at the Museum: The Secret of the Tomb is the perfect way to end the trilogy of films starting back in 2006. Over the last 8 years we have followed Larry (Ben Stiller) and various members of the museum of Natural History as we watched them come to live and face challenges throughout the night. However, in The Secret of the Tomb something goes wrong, as the tablet starts corroding and the magic that brings the museum to life starts to fade away.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb takes us away from the familiar setting of the Natural History museum in New York City for most of the film as we explore one of London’s greatest museums. The reason behind traveling to London is so Larry can take Ahlmenrah (Rami Malek) to London so he can find his parents and they can explain the power of the tablet and assure that the magic stays and never fades away. However no Night at the Museum movie would be complete without some fan favourites’ such as Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams – in his final role), Jedidiah (Owen Wilson), Octavious (Steve Coogan) and who can forget Dexter (Crystal the Monkey). However if we explore a new museum we also explore new characters and new dynamics. London has a great set of characters as well such as Tilly (Rebel Wilson) and Sir Lancelot (Dan Stevens).

What makes Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb such a great ending to a franchise that has been such an incredibly fun ride is the fact that it knows when and where to end without it getting dull and repetitive. As well the film explores new dynamics to characters and fills in certain aspects to the story that were previously unexplored. Moreover, the story although not completely original even within the franchise is still fun as we get to see our favourite characters go through challenges they have yet to face and possibly even face their inevitable doom if not saved by a friend. Night at the Museum: The Secret of the Tomb is the best ending to the trilogy of Christmas timed movies that provides fun for the entire family.

What also works throughout Secret of the Tomb is the new characters, Dan Stevens moreover than Rebel Wilson however. Steven’s job as Lancelot is spot on as he plays the arrogant hero of Camelot and refuses to acknowledge that in fact he is not in Camelot but in the modern day and age; this also happens to lead to one of the greatest cameos of the year in this film and for that his role as Lancelot is even further excelled. Rebel Wilson who is usually on key and absolutely hysterical has seemed to toned it a little too high as she plays almost a parody of herself and it unfortunately does not work out too well. Although her role is small, it does take away some of the enjoyment from the film.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb said goodbye to two Hollywood greats; Mickey Rooney and Robin Williams. The movie paid as much tribute as the story allowed it to both actors’ characters, which was an incredibly sweet touch. As well the movie being funny and inline with the rest of the franchise heightens this third and final installment of the franchise. A lot of laughs, some heart warming memories, and an overall thoroughly enjoyable family film will certainly be the appropriate movie for the holidays. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb is the fitting end to an incredibly fun trilogy.

[star v=35]