Cast: Nicholas Cage, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Helen Mirren, Ed Harris, Harvey Kietel, Justin Bartha Dir: Jon Turteltaub Rat: 3/5
Treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates is back - and this time it’s personal.
Ben and his father, Patrick (Jon Voight), take great pride in their ancestors and their family's devotion to the United States.
When Mitch Wilkinson (Ed Harris) produces a page from the diary of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth allegedly linking Ben's great-great grandfather to the plot, Ben and Patrick set out on a path to clear their family's name.
Ben also believes that the diary page contains hints to the whereabouts of a treasure map leading to an ancient city made of gold, and soon the hunt is on.
Tech expert Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) and Ben's now ex-girlfriend Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) join the Gates in their quest, which takes them from Washington, DC, to Paris, London and the Black Hills of South Dakota.
In a rollicking adventure that ranges from Buckingham Palace to Mount Rushmore, Gates pursues the infamous Book of Secrets, said to contain the truth about everything from Ben’s grandfather to the JFK murder.
Lets not pretend that National Treasure: Book of Secrets is a cinematic milestone that will be recognised at any movie awards any time soon however what it is a bloody good adventure romp.
The plot is totally unbelievable breaking into Buckingham Palace an the White House then, the cherry on the cake, kidnapping the President of the United States yet it still manages to be shockingly enjoyable.
The silly plot didn't seem to put of the string of high profile names including Cage, Voight, Harris and Mirren all signing on the dotted line to be a part of this historical action flick.
The cast interact well together, especially Mirren and the bumbling Voight who spend all their time arguing who caused the break-up of their marriage.
Cage, Kruger and Bartha pick up where they left off and still banter well together, Bartha in particular there for comic relief.
Despite going down the same road as the original this is a great popcorn, family movie that will keep both adults and children entertained.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets is out on DVD now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw