National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Genre: Adventure
By Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by Jon Turteltaub
Runtime: 125 minutes
Starring Nicolas Cage (Benjamin Gates), Diane Kruger (Abigail Chase), Justin Bartha (Riley Poole), Jon Voight (Patrick Gates), Helen Mirren (Emily Appleton), Ed Harris (Mitch Wilkinson), Harvey Keitel (Peter Sadusky), Bruce Greenwood (The President)

The Fun of All Treasure Hunts Lies in The Journey, Not The End

I shall not be spending too much time on a movie that I do not especially feel for. Having said that, I have to admit that this movie is better than I had expected. Perhaps I had too low an expectation for such action-packed shows, perhaps I was aversed to the pedigree Nicholas Cage (nephew of Francis Ford Coppola) who gets to star in many good shows even though he is not blessed with leading man looks. Not having watched the first installment of the National Treasures also added to my reluctance to catch this show. But, as with all free movies, “why not?”

The supporting cast of Jon Voight and Helen Mirren are excellent; especially Mirren who manages to elevate the film another notch. Her quirky take on the mother to Benjamin Gates (Nic Cage), serves to add another level of interest to the film. The story of Gates trying to find proof and get his great grand dad off the hook of blemish in the family name brings us on a roller-coaster ride after another.

Some may say that the discovery of the treasure is so lame. For all you know, there may be tourists who may stumble upon the Lost City at the Stonehenge, just be placing their hand in a little hole? Why go through all the trouble to capture the President and risk being placed behind bars, endanger yourself and even go through a wild goose chase just to land at a very public place where the treasure lay?

Anyway, as with all chases, the fun lies in the journey and not so much the discovery. The film, expectantly wraps up nicely with a happily-ever-after story of Gates getting back with his ex-gf, the Barbie doll female lead, Diane Kruger, Gate’s parents getting back together of years of separation and of course, him clearing his family name of the blemish.

This show is for those who are into action. You will be entertained even if you do not understand the talk about American history.