Today’s quick review: National Treasure: Book of Secrets. When Mitch Wilkinson (Ed Harris) publicizes evidence that Benjamin Gates’ (Nicolas Cage) ancestor was involved in the assassination of President Lincoln, Gates sets out to solve a centuries-old mystery and clear his family’s name. Reuniting with Dr. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) and Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), Gates searches for the proof he needs: the fabled City of Gold.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets is a light adventure movie about a secret treasure connected to some of the most important figures in American history. Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Benjamin Gates, a resourceful historiain with a knack for uncovering secrets. Book of Secrets has many of the same strengths as the first film: an engaging plot, likable characters, and a touch of action. However, its setup is not quite as solid.
Book of Secrets makes for a serviceable adventure. The plot dips into a new era of American history, the Civil War, for its clues and connections. The story covers enough ground to make good on its premise, and although it echoes the beats of the first movie, it shuffles enough of the details around to feel new. Benjamin, Abigail, and Riley continue to be the heart of the movie, and their interactions fuel its comedy as well as its plot.
The key difference from the original is that Gates’ motivations this time are wholly personal. Where in the first movie Gates had to break the law for the greater good, Book of Secrets has him trespassing and stealing just to clear his ancestor’s name. The change isn’t enough to dampen the film’s sense of adventure, but it does give the sequel a slightly shakier foundation than the original, which took pains to set up the stakes of its conflict.
Minor flaws notwithstanding, National Treasure: Book of Secrets is a worthy sequel to the first movie. It is a slight step down in terms of coherence and originality, but it otherwise retains the first movie’s charm. Those in the mood for an adventure with sound execution and a family-friendly tone should look no further. Those who want something deeper, more ambitious, or simply different form the first film may want to skip it.
For an action movie starring Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris, try The Rock. For a heist with sharper writing and more comedy, try Ocean’s Eleven. For a treasure-hunting adventure with more attitude, try Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for good characters and a decent plot.