National Treasure: Book of Secrets

"National Treasure: Book of Secrets" is your typical sequel, but with just a little more action. Be careful not to think too much or you might get confused as the story left me wondering at the end if they had really achieved their desired result.

Nicolas Cage reprises his role as treasure hunter Ben Gates. This time his cause is personal as he works to clear his great-great-grandfather's name. You see, just as Ben is declaring this man to be a hero in the Civil War, another treasure hunter, and overall bad guy (Ed Harris), makes a claim that this particular Gates was involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. The history lessons kick in from there.

Ben enlists the help of his father (Jon Voight) and mother (Helen Mirren), as well as his assistants Riley and now-ex-wife to seek out the truth. This is where the story gets a bit out of control as they travel around Europe and the United States seeking out ancient desks, secret carvings, and an eventual, yet brief, kidnapping of the President to learn about the Book of Secrets. From that point they are able to locate the rumored City of Gold hidden by Mount Rushmore. You know, when I read this in print the storyline seems even messier.

For as screwy as it may all sound, there is a decent balance of laughs and action, never slowing down to give you too much time to think this out. The characters all seem to be having fun either mocking themselves or others, and the history lessons aren't overwhelming. While not quite up to the first movie, it left me willing to see a third installment. I give it a B.

"National Treasure: Book of Secrets" is rated PG with a running time of 124 minutes.