National Treasure: Book of Secrets (PG)

Treasure hunter Benjamin Gates must uncover the truth behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by unlocking the mysteries contained within the missing pages of John Wilkes Booth’s diary, in order to save his family name from disgrace and infamy.

Directed once again by Jon Turteltaub (Cool Runnings), this sequel to the 2004 film sees returning cast members Nicholas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Diane Kruger, and Justin Bartha joined by Ed Harris (Enemy at the Gates) and Dame Helen Mirren (The Queen).

This second installment of secret hunting adventure offers much the of the same as the first. Trailing clues and secrets left on historic landmarks and artifacts that require elaborate plans and subterfuge to get at. This time including a typically cringe worthy trip to London.

Ed Harris supplies some much needed strong support as the inevitable rival treasure hunter, who is also out to make his mark on history and Helen Mirren is Benjamin’s estranged mother who helpfully turns out to be an expert on ancient native American languages.

Although predictable, overly patriotic and very silly at times, the film is entertaining and contains the kind of action, stunts, effects and humor you may have come to expect from a Disney/Bruckheimer production.

So suspend your disbelief for a while and you’ll probably find it’s not a bad two hours spent.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets is in cinemas on February 8th

Thank you to the Odeon cinema, Leicester

By Tom Smith
25/01/08