Special effects isolate Wilson in 'Museum'

WASHINGTON, May 22 (UPI) -- Owen Wilson says he spent little time with his co-stars in the "Night at the Museum" sequel because his scenes involved so many special effects.

In "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian," Wilson again plays Jedediah, a miniature cowboy figure that magically comes to life at night, along with various other museum exhibits.

This time around, Jedediah spends a good deal of time trapped in an hourglass, waiting for former security guard Larry, played by Ben Stiller, to rescue him from the evil clutches of Pharaoh Kahmunrah, a new character played by Hank Azaria.

When Wilson does share the screen with a co-star in the sequel, it is usually with British comedian Steve Coogan, who reprises his role of tiny Roman soldier Octavius from the original film.

"I was just saying how it seemed like we were never together. I never saw Ben either," Wilson told reporters in Washington recently. "Coogan was there."

Asked how he manages to play such a big personality in such a diminutive body, Wilson replied: "Jedediah doesn't see himself as a miniature little cowboy. He sees himself as kind of bigger than life. And it was just kind of easy to play a character that you never had to worry about (director Shawn Levy) saying, 'Do less.' You couldn't be too over the top."

Co-starring Amy Adams, Robin Williams and Ricky Gervais, "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" is in conventional and IMAX theaters now.