Plot:Treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates looks to discover the truth behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, by uncovering the mystery within the 18 pages missing from assassin John Wilkes Booth's diary.
Setting out to clear his ancestor's name, Ben Gates is back in treasure-hunting action to unequivocally prove that his family had nothing to do with the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. With his usual cohorts Riley, Abigail and his father, Patrick Gates, the trio must race against the clock to stop a new enemy, Mitch Wilkinson, from uncovering an ancient treasure before they can, or forever risk the Gates name being associated with the death of one of America's greatest presidents.
Personally the highlight of the movie was not the chase car scenes or the deadly balancing stone platform, rather the conversation between Gates and the awesome Bruce Greenwood as the President in the hidden tunnels of Mount Vernon. Cage and Greenwood are compelling and smart in their discussion of The Book of Secrets.there is perhaps a clue leading to the movie's sequel. The rest of "Book of Secrets" is cookie cutter action albeit excellently executed.
Joining Oscar winners Cage and Voight is Helen Mirren as Professor Emily Appleton, who is Ben's mother.the acting is mostly impeccable but sometimes seems hammy and over the top.Cage, Voight, Kruger, and Bartha are good here, but do not lend any insight or depth to their characters. Again, this may not have been a priority for this movie.
Nitpick:The story title "Book of Secrets" relates to a book that had a total of 30 seconds relevance to the whole story.The "book" was a pathetic story prop. They could have used a spoon or pile of play dough. If only the book had been used throughout the movie.I have no idea why the Feds were in this film. They didn't do anything until the very end.
"National Treasure: Book of Secrets" will not win any award.However, it is a wild ride, entertaining.Yes, it is needlessly convoluted. Just enjoy the ride.
3/5
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