However, a decade later, in its third edition, the museum has lost not just its novelty but the commitment of its watchdog, Ben Stiller, as well.

Repetitive and a tad cheesy, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb would have warned moviegoers better of its overly Christmas-y intentions were it named ‘Once Upon a Time in the Museum Dobaara!’

…the effort comes across as drab pretending to be cool. The third instalment of ‘Night at the Museum’ (‘NATM’) undoubtedly falls under such category.

Secret of the Tomb certainly wasn’t necessary, but its earnest goofiness is hard to resist. The bittersweet goodbye to Mr Williams just makes it all the more worthwhile.

Stiller’s films have acquired this irritating habit of talking out a joke to death. Being funny is one thing, assuming no one else is is another. And just when you think Levy and company may finally be done, it’s evident they are far from.

The visual effects are top-notch, while the story is simple. The film doesn’t run longer than two hours. Ben Stiller is easy on the eyes. Watch out for a surprising cameo towards the end!

This fairly entertaining kiddie comedy is full of funny little asides and exchanges that keep the pace going. And of special note is Robin Williams’ heartwarming performance, tinged with the kind of jocularity and poignancy that only he could pull off. Fun viewing for the holidays.