Great fun

Rating: Null/10 (20 August 2011)

This is the second of two movies to feature Nicolas Cage as archaeologist/adventurer Ben Gates. Last time. he was involved in stealing the Declaration of Independence: this time he is chasing round after a mythical book in order to disprove a stain on the character of one of his forefathers. Again he is accompanied by (mildly comic) sidekick Riley (Justin Bartha) and Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) as on/off love interest and helper/hinderer. In addition, Helen Mirren joins the cast as Ben's mother, estranged from father Jon Voight. Ed Harris is the fly in the ointment as the motley throng pursue various clues before the final set piece climax.
As with its predecessor, this is very much in Indiana Jones territory, albeit modern day. And everything about it is undemanding fun - the story works well, the action is exciting, and the characters are all relatively strongly drawn and suit this as an ensemble piece.