Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)
- Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a hidden easter egg referencing Shawn Levy's previous film in the background of the opening scene.
- Many of the practical effects used in the climax were achieved without any CGI.
- The incredible score for Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian was composed in just a few weeks after the original composer dropped out.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian is a 2009 American fantasy comedy directed by Shawn Levy, the sequel to his 2006 hit. Ben Stiller returns as Larry Daley, now a successful inventor whose former museum friends at the American Museum of Natural History are being shipped to the archives of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. When the magical Egyptian tablet that brings the exhibits to life is accidentally included in the shipment, Larry must infiltrate the world's largest museum complex to stop the villainous Pharaoh Kahmunrah, voiced by Hank Azaria, from using the tablet to raise an army of the dead.
Amy Adams joined the cast as Amelia Earhart, bringing infectious enthusiasm as a pioneering aviator delighted to be brought to life. The expanded Smithsonian setting allowed for creative encounters with the Lincoln Memorial, paintings coming to life, and space shuttle launches. The film earned $413 million worldwide on a $150 million budget.
