National Treasure: Book of Secrets

"So let's recap: We've broken into Buckingham Palace, and the Oval Office, stolen a page from the President's super-secret book, and actually kidnapped the President of the United States. What are we gonna do next, short-sheet the Pope's bed?"

"Well, you never know."

Time has passed since the amazing discovery of the first film (the treasures of the Templar Knights). Ben (Cage) is still passionate about history. He gives a lecture about the assassination of President Lincoln, where his ancestor, Thomas Gates was a hero. During his lecture Mitch Wilkinson (Harris) offers new information: a page from John Wilkes Booth's diary. This page implicates Thomas Gates in the Lincoln assassination. Ben and his father Patrick (Voight) set out to prove this claim false. Using Booth's diary, they discover a cipher (puzzle) which they believe will lead them to "The City of Gold". They enlist computer whiz Riley (Bartha) who is having some financial difficulties, and Ben's ex Abigail (Kruger) who is able to get them to high security places. They also pull out a hidden aid, Prof. Emily Appleton (Mirren), Ben's mother who is an expert in ancient languages. But they are not the only ones looking for the city: Wilkinson also seeks the treasure.

Packed with more historical goodies, "Book of Secrets" does quite a bit of traveling. They travel around the US and even visit Europe on their search for clues. Once again they must watch their steps as FBI Agent Sadusky (Keitel) is watching them and they even have a run-in with the President (Greenwood)!

Wow! The trailers don't do this film justice!! As I have previously state, I am NOT a Nicolas Cage fans...but for these films I will make an exception. The characters are funny...nerdy, but funny. Ed Harris is convincing as the villain, Helen Mirren is awesome (when is she not?), and the returning characters continue to engage the audience. I don't know how history buffs would feel about this film...but I think it works. The story is fast paced, but as long as you pay attention everything falls into place...and they leave the ending open for a sequel. Now if only they would focus on the Revolutionary War...

Dude, it's quotable: Just listen to Riley and you will be entertained. The rest of cast have their moments, but come on, the man is adorable!

SEE IT NOW!: I paid $8 and I would see it again in a heartbeat (which is saying something because I don't like paying over $5 for a movie...and even that seems like a lot)

National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) 124 minutes

Rating: PG for some violence and action

Director: John Turtletaub

Starring: Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates

Justin Bartha as Riley Poole

Diane Kruger as Abigail Chase

Jon Voight as Patrick Gates

Helen Mirren as Prof. Emily Appleton

Ed Harris as Mitch Wilkinson

Harvey Keitel as Agent Sadusky

Bruce Greenwood as The President