My wife Pam and I had a much-needed "date night" last night, and we had a terrific time. We went to see "National Treasure: Book of Secrets", followed by dinner at Cafe Mangu (see my wife's restaurant review from a couple of months ago here), and a visit to Barnes and Noble, as we are both book addicts.
It was Pam's choice to see this particular movie, and I was pleased with her selection. I like action movies, especially when there isn't too much thinking involved. This provides a nice escape for a couple of hours.
This film is fast-paced and there are very few lags. I feel that they did an excellent job of moving the plot along quite nicely. I will do my best not to reveal too much here in my review. Rather, I will give you some good basic impressions that I was left with afterwards.
Nicolas Cage revives his role as Ben Gates, and he looked healthier than I have seen him look in awhile. Maybe he has been working out or drinking more water? Maybe he has had some parts that required him to look pale? Diane Kruger, the lovely blond who plays the female lead (Abigail Chase), was a little distracting to me for the wrong reasons: it was obvious to me that she was cloaking an accent of some sort; often, when she was speaking, I was trying to figure out whether she was French or Russian. I looked it up, and she was born in Germany, then lived in London and in Paris, which explained a lot.
As for the dynamic between Cage and Jon Voight, who plays Cage's father, the screenwriters clearly borrowed heavily from the Harrison Ford/Sean Connery relationship in the 1989 "Indiana Jones" movie. In fact, there were other elements that were pretty derivative of that film, but since it has been 19 years, I suppose that is forgivable. On a side note, there is a brand-new Indiana Jones adventure due out sometime this year. I, for one, will likely be in attendance.
As for the supporting cast, Justin Bartha, who plays Gates' assistant Riley Poole, is highly likeable and he provides much of the comic relief. Helen Mirren portrays Gates' mother, and Pam and I discussed how amazing Ms. Mirren still looks (she's 62 now - I looked it up). There is a sub-story with Jon Voight and Mirren as his long-estranged wife that is truly charming. Ed Harris plays the bad guy this time around, and he puts in a solid effort.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this movie, if you are looking for a fun action movie with very little offensive content (rated "PG"). You must suspend your disbelief in order to truly enjoy this one, but it is well worth the price of a ticket. Give it a shot if you have some free time!
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The movie was very good, but as my husband says "Not as good as the first one"
Vickie Nagy http://www.besttrivalleyhomes.com/
Jason, I agree, it was a fun, fast-paced movie. My wife likes movies she doesn't have to think about.
Bill Roberts
Jason, I saw this movie at a special premiere in D.C. before it was released. As you know, both films had Masonic references throughout (moreso in the first film). The premiere was sponsored by Disney and the Supreme Council of Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction. Through my involvement with the Masons, I was fortunate to attend a Masons (and family) only showing. It was a fun film. And living in the D.C. area, it was fun to see many of the local sites throughout the film, such as The Library of Congress, Mount Vernon, Ford's Theater, etc. And what you might not have known, is that the first scene in the film, when they are at a lecture in an auditorium, that's inside the George Washington Masonic Memorial, right here in Alexandria. I can see that building from my condo balcony!
I agree with you that the film was quite enjoyable.
VICKIE - Since I saw the first one on TV and not on the big screen, I am probably a bit biased. I liked them both about equally.
MARIA - I can understand your frustration, but I'm glad you got a chance to see this movie. It was fun, huh?
BILL - I am in agreement with your wife. There are times when I like thoughtful movies, but not on date night.
KEVIN - You are certainly entitled to your opinion. Sorry you didn't derive the enjoyment from it that I did. I saw the first one on TV, so I liked this one better.
BRIAN - That is very cool. I always like seeing local and recognizable stuff in movies or on television. I have started watching "Friday Night Lights", primarily because it is filmed right here in Pflugerville (and some scenes in Austin).
Jason, great review of a movie that I just can not bring myself to see just yet. For some reason it just reminds me to muc of Indian Jones or Tomb Raider.
With that said, thanks for the post in The Movie Club and glad to have you as a member.
KATHY - I don't think you really have to see the first one in order to enjoy this one. I honestly couldn't remember a lot of the plot points from the first one until my wife reminded me. I think it stands pretty well on its own. Thanks for stopping by!
DANNY - If I had an opportunity to see more movies, I would certainly post more to the group. I don't actually remember what the last movie was that I saw "live" before this one. I would give this one a look if you get a chance, but that's just my opinion.
PAUL - I haven't liked all of his movies, either, but "The Rock" with Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery was AWESOME! "Raising Arizona" is one of my all-time favorites. One recent movie of his that I think you would like is "The Weather Man". Don't be a hater, man!
CHRIS - Cool. I agree with you - it was family-friendly yet pretty compelling.
PAUL - I know you aren't really - it's no big deal. I would recommend giving those other movies a chance, however.
DAN - I don't really know. I think I am just a fast typist.
Hi SARAH - I have missed seeing your smiling face around here lately. Thanks for stopping by. We had a great time, and we hope to go out again sometime in February.
Jason,
I'm glad to hear you give it a good review. I am a big fan of the first National Treasure and have been looking forward to seeing this one! I think I have a date night coming up!
In regards to Indiana Jones.... CAN'T WAIT!!!! (But I will)
KATERINA - I also thought it would work well for kids, although ours weren't with us that night. I may take my older kids to see it sometime soon.
MARTIN - I think you would enjoy the sequel, especially if you liked the first one. As for Indiana Jones, he is the mack daddy of action heroes, and I am really looking forward to that movie.
SARAH - I would also love to see the new Chronicles of Narnia movie. Indiana Jones is right around the corner - wow! I look forward to hearing about your month when you have some time to write again.
SIMON - Thanks, buddy. I can only imagine how the fun would be drained out of this activity when it is forced on you, especially when the movie just sucks.
VICKIE - You are more than welcome. I tried to convey our overall impressions without giving away the plot. Enjoy it!