Night at the Museum

Last winter holiday, I was taking a translation course in New Orientation, and there I met a young but experienced teacher. In class, he recommended 「Night at the Museum」 to us as 「if you could understand every point in this movie, you are qualified to say that you know well enough about the world which you are living in.」

Doubted his words, I watched 「Night at the Museum」 recently, only to find that his saying was correct. The story went on in an old way. Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) was a complete loser who was divorced and unemployed. In order to fight for his only son, 尼克’s custody, he got a night guard job at the Museum of Natural History in 紐約. And then he discovered that all the exhibitions there came to life at night. There, ancient animals including dinosaurs and African elephants were running about wildly; Statue of Easter Island was chattered without stop; Augustus (史蒂夫 Coogan) was leading his army conquer all enemies; Teddy Roosevelt (Robin 威廉斯), the lovable 26th President of America was roaming around on the horseback; and cowboys were exploding in the west, etc. The museum went into a chaos, and Larry seemed to be in trouble. Perhaps you have guessed, Larry and his son were going to enjoy an adventurous journey with the characters in history. I have to say, the visual effect was perfect, bringing viewers to a fantastic ancient age soon.

Laughing all along, I also learned more about ancient and modern civilization all around the world during this fun trip with poor Larry. Further more, a subtle change of 尼克’s opinion towards his father comforted viewers. Facing a do-nothing father, 尼克 was once disappointed. But after the fun night experience at the museum, accompanying by numerous historic characters, he finally understood his father, a little leisure, but brave and lovable. The magical history museum mended the relationship between the father and son.

It cannot be denied that Americans are good at spreading values in American style, so did they show it in 「Night at the Museum」. I have to admit that I appreciate this pattern, as civilization continues easily. For example, Docent Rebecca introduced Roosevelt, 「He absolutely loved history and believed that the more you know about the past the better prepared you are for the future.」 Their attitude toward history is clear here, which makes me moving. Larry Daley once considered giving up this job, because it made him stressful. But Roosevelt encouraged him, 「Some men are born great. Others have greatness thrust upon them. For you, that is the very moment.」 Can anyone be untouched hearing these words? At least, I cannot. Witnessing a small tomato becoming a hero may has been boring to some people, but to me, it still powerful.

If you want to release pressure, and learn something about human history and civilization at the same time, 「Night at the Museum」 will be a first choice.