National Treasure: Book of Secrets is the sequel to the 2004 movie National Treasure, which gained mixed reactions from audiences. While some praised its storytelling, others criticized its ease of adventure. The sequel follows the story of treasure hunter Ben and his companions on a new mission. This article will provide a detailed synopsis and review of the film.
Synopsis
The film is set 140 years after President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, where John Wilkes Booth and Michael O’Laughlen ask for Thomas Gates’ help to enter a code into Booth’s diary. While trying to decipher the code, Booth visits Ford’s Theatre to assassinate President Lincoln. Thomas realizes that Booth and O’Laughlen are members of the Confederate Army after cracking the code, and O’Laughlen shoots Thomas and takes a page from the diary. Before dying, Thomas instructs his son Charlie to keep the code.
In the present day, Ben Gates narrates Thomas’ story during a conference. A man named Mitch Wilkinson shows a paper with Thomas’ name on it, leading the public to believe Thomas was part of the conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln. Ben successfully deciphers the code on the paper, which leads them to a statue of Liberty in Paris that is smaller than the one in New York. The statue holds a clue, which leads them to the desk of Resolute in London. They find another clue leading to the Buckhingham Palace, leading them to a map engraving on a table. Meanwhile, Mitch attempts to track Ben with Patrick’s phone.
In America, Patrick seeks the help of his ex-wife, Dr. Emily Appleton, to decipher the phrase “center of the earth” written on a piece of wood. Emily explains that the same code exists in the Oval Office, the former President’s office. Abigail requests the help of her boyfriend, Connor, who works with different works of art at the White House, to see the same code. They find out that the code in the Oval Office has already been stamped. Riley identifies the stamp as a symbol for the diary that American presidents often use to write about state secrets.
Ben tries to contact the President to look for the location of the treasure, and the President gives a clue that it is on Mount Rushmore. What connection does the treasure on Mount Rushmore have with Thomas Gates?
Review
Like the first movie, National Treasure: Book of Secrets uses a similar formula, combining conspiracy theories with historical and fictional backgrounds. While the first movie was set entirely in America, the sequel takes Ben to Paris and London as they seek clues to a wooden engraving containing a clue to the treasure.
Book of Secrets incorporates a subplot about Thomas Gates, Ben’s grandfather, who is a fictional character involved in the conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln. This subplot adds complexity to the primary plot, yet Ben and his comrades manage to explain the clues and code-breaking in plain language.
The action in the movie is refreshing, with new locations and underground fights. However, the fast-paced storyline that involves several clues can make you miss out on key details in the story.
Conclusion
National Treasure: Book of Secrets offers a thrilling journey filled with historical conspiracies and fictional treasure hunting. While some may find the plot a bit more complicated than the first movie, those who enjoyed the first film can expect the same formula in this sequel.
