Dora the Explorer called and she has some suggestions for #3

Rating: 2/10 (5 September 2009)

It's been a very long time since I saw the below average original, and I have been craving a good and fun adventure. Obviously, I was thinking they stepped up the game to the surprise hit, first movie, but, alas, 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets' was a lot worse. Every time I wanted to like this silly, SILLY movie, my mouth kept dropping and it simply got more preposterous. And I'm not just referring to the plot. They made a dumbed-down kid version of 'Indiana Jones' and yes, even younger than 'Young Indiana Jones,' so you really have to be prepared for the simplest versions of espionage, dialogue okay for a preschool play and a storyline even Dora the Explorer would turn her nose at. Sadly, it's not a standalone movie; they expected you to remember every character and relationship from the first one as they give almost zero background. This was a problem for me since it's been years since I saw #1. That said, apparently Benny (played by Cage – who now ranks as one of the worst actors of all time, his one shinning grace was 'Leaving Las Vegas' and I think he should have left Hollywood as well) is upset because his great-great-whatever relative might have been involved in the assassination of President Lincoln and Benny will stop at nothing to clear his name! Including kidnapping the President! A very forgiving President, of course. "Oh, well, if you're trying to clear a dead man's name, I can see why it's justified in committing a felony." I'm really looking in too deep into this globetrotting and predictable "adventure," but I was disappointed in that you don't have to G-rate down all the gags, acting, dialogue and sooo-secret twists to have a great movie (see: Indy 1 & 3.)