"Book of Secrets"

Rating: 8/10 (3 March 2012)

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.
Yes, I loved the first. I hear all these people complaining about all these little things that actually define movies in general. Sure, there was some tedious little thing put here and there, but I grew up and learned that things aren't perfect. And people may not realize this, but this a Disney film: made for KIDS. Doesn't necessarily mean we can't enjoy them either, but they aren't exactly trying to make you like it. The second installment of the series had some great expectations. Same cast from the original, an interesting plot, and seemed to have a lot more heist scenes (which I am a huge fan of!) So after sitting down and watching, I once again loved the film... Think of a bigger and badder National Treasure. That is what sequels are trying to be, right? The thing is, this movie blows the first out of the water. It has some spectacular set pieces, some amazing action scenes, and the heist scenes were really awesome (although some were over-the-top pointless.) The acting shouldn't even be commented on, this is a Disney movie by the way, and Nicholas Cage is in it. Thing is, if I imagined myself acting, I would do a much worse job then they have, so I give them kudos for at least trying. The plot is just like the first, they go from clue to clue to solving a puzzle. This is where the complainers come in, stating that the movie is "over-the-top" "stupid" "unrealistic". Well, yeah, and? I didn't know movies were supposed to be realistic. The Dark Knight surely wasn't realistic, but it has rave reviews? Movies are escapism that started that way, so stating something that you have no idea what your saying is just pointless. ANYWAYS... some of the ideas were stupid, yes, but I wasn't expecting an intellectual look at these things. It was a movie and I enjoyed it for what it is. All in all, I definitely recommend. People who complained, take this to heart and watch your 'over-the-top' realistic movies while the others can enjoy a great entertaining movie. Book of Secrets surpasses the first, and includes some of the most entertainment you can get out of something. I rate 1 star higher than the first... 8/10.