National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)

Movie Info

Booth, you whacky assassin!

Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) and Patrick Henry Gates (Jon Voight) find their family name sleighted when Mitch Wilkinson (Ed Harris) comes forward with evidence that their ancestor was part of the conspiracy to kill Lincoln.  Now, Ben, Patrick, and Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) must convince Dr. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) to help them seek out proof that Ben’s ancestor is innocent.  The quest for answers puts them on the trail of Cibola the Lost City of Gold.  Ben has Paris, Buckingham Palace, the Oval Office, and even the President of the United States of America in his sights.  Dogged by Wilkinson who wants Cibola for himself, Ben learns that a book passed down by President’s might be the key to the mystery if he can find it and unlock the secrets.

Hey Gates, best scrap of paper ever!

Directed by Jon Turteltaub, National Treasure:  Book of Secrets (sometimes called National Treasure 2:  Book of Secrets) is the follow-up to the popular Disney National Treasure film of  2004.  The sequel was less well received by critics but still a big moneymaker.  The film was nominated for Razzies for Worst Actor (Nicolas Cage…also for Ghost Rider and Next) and Worst Supporting Actor (John Voight…also for Transformers, September Dawn, and Bratz:  The Movie).

I didn’t enjoy National Treasure.  I felt it was a stereotypical blasé action adventure that didn’t have the fun or humor of Raiders of the Lost Ark and no chemistry between the actors.  Here, despite being rated lower by critics, I felt a little more invested in National Treasure:  Book of Secrets.

Helen, don’t kiss him! His horrible acting could rub off on you!

The story of National Treasure:  Book of Secrets is a bit better with better characters.  The problem (with both films) is that the movie just goes on and on.  This film just has a bit of a tighter set-up and better locations…though completely unrealistic like the first film.

I can’t stand Nicholas Cage’s style of acting.  Sometimes it has been very good (like Leaving Las Vegas) and other times, he’s the only thing that keeps a movie interesting.  Here, it is the bad acting that I’ve come to hate…but fortunately this film employed a better “villain” with Ed Harris who is generally entertaining in films.  Kruger and Bartha are still annoying as sidekicks but at least knowing the characters makes them a little more realistic.  Jon Voight continues to be a question…when did he stop acting?  It is too bad he’s paired with the always good Helen Mirren.

Sure, it’s a good treasure…if you like gold and all.

An adventure film must have exotic locations…the first film were all East Coast, colonial centered places.  This might help the original film’s story, but also isn’t very interesting to look at.  This movie is bigger and better in that aspect.  The Eiffel Tower, Buckingham Palace, Mount Vernon, the Library of Congress, and Mount Rushmore (plus a pretty impressive City of Gold set) helps make this movie just look better…now if they had done something about the length.

I am probably in the minority to feel that this is a better film, but it still doesn’t mean that it is a great film.  The movie is a popcorn movie and if you can go with the story and the actors, it can be a good time filler.  Though the film was a success no sequel has been made (though all sources indicate another film will be made).  Plus, we have to find out about the Page 47…it is a bit of a cliffhanger.

Related Links:

National Treasure (2004)