Below are Mini Reviews from Cineman Syndicate for two films opening this week (May 21 & 22, 2009). 

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN. Primarily distinguishable from its predecessor by a bigger budget, cast and venue, this more-is-better sequel involves Museum of Natural History night watchman Larry (Ben Stiller) -- now a successful inventor -- being called back into guard duty when his friends are shipped off to the Smithsonian archives and every artifact there comes to life. As before, the director is unable to convey the type of grand, awe-inspiring wonder required by his material. While constructed with lavish CG effects and innumerable moving parts, the action is less engaging this time around, though Amy Adams, as Amelia Earhart, provides a buoyant antidote to the commotion. (PG) FAIR COMEDY. Director - Shawn Levy;  Lead - Ben Stiller; Running Time - 105 minutes. Capsule review by Nick Schager.

TERMINATOR SALVATION. Machines get the better of mankind in this extension of the popular action franchise. Not plot-wise -- that would undercut the remaining installments of a planned trilogy -- but because the best thing about the flick is the computer-generated special effects. Christian Bale assumes the role of John Connor, who, post Judgment Day, rallies the human resistance against Skynet and its assortment of cyborgs and other lethal hardware. Adding another layer to the ingenious concept won't significantly alter the pop-culture landscape, yet it's obvious why Hollywood couldn't resist. Bright side: maybe a new generation of moviegoers will question whether they've ceded too much control to their gadgets. (PG-13) FAIR SCI-FI ACTION. Director - McG; Lead - Christian Bale; Running Time - 116 minutes. Capsule review by John P. McCarthy.

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