Stiller is Larry Daley, a dreamer who has trouble holding down jobs. When he's threatened with losing his son, Larry takes whatever job comes along. It's the night guard at the Museum of Natural History. Magically, exhibits spring to life at night, threatening Larry's life and limb but challenging him to find some gumption.

Film special effects have become commonplace, but it's still amusing to watch the skeleton of a T-Rex sip from a drinking fountain, and tiny men battle from competing dioramas. Yet there's a tired aspect to this saga, as well as some inconsistencies.

(The statues aren't the real Roosevelt and Attila. T.R. even admits he's a wax mannequin. So, how are they empowered with the original personalities and knowledge of the characters? If you find yourself worrying about such things, you'll probably be a bit bored.)

Thankfully, Stiller generates humor, as does Robin Williams, well-cast as Roosevelt. But it's not enough.