OK for kids 9+
Action-packed treasure hunt is age-appropriate but so-so.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the action in this fast-paced adventure sequel is loud and sometimes tense (car chases, near falls from high ledges in a dark cave, etc.), but for the most part it's pretty tame. The most troubling scene comes early, when, in a flashback to 1865, a child sees his father shot and killed; the sequence also includes a reenactment of Abraham Lincoln's assassination (not bloody, but obvious). In the present day, there's some shooting, car crashes, hand-to-hand fighting, and threats made with guns. Expect some cleavage shots, plus innocuous flirting and kissing.
- Families can talk about the differences between real history and "Hollywood history." Why do you think filmmakers bend the facts so often? Is real history less entertaining than the kind that's manufactured for the movies? Do you think this movie is trying to prompt kids to take an interest in history? Kids: What do you know about the historical sites featured in the film (the White House, Buckingham Palace, and Mount Rushmore)? How could you find out more?
The good stuff
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Messages: Hacking into official computer systems, breaking laws, and, in one instance, kidnapping the president. Bad guys trick good guys into finding treasure, then threaten them and use violence.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Frequent raucous action-adventure-style scenes, including car chases (banging, crashing, screeching), shooting, and fighting. There's a reenactment of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, but the gunshot to his head isn't particularly graphic. In a flashback scene, a young boy sees his father shot and killed. A man is knocked out in his home. Ben struggles against being taken into custody by British police. Tense teetering and near falls from precarious surfaces inside a cave; rush of water nearly drowns people trapped in the cave.
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Sexy stuff: Some romantic, chaste kissing between the main couple. A couple of scenes feature brief shots of women's cleavage. In one flirtatious scene, Abigail shows off her tight dress and cleavage in order to distract a man; she kisses him passionately, then dismisses him.
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Language: Not an issue
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Consumerism: Borders Books, Ferrari, iPod, Mac laptops, Mercedes SUV.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A few scenes set at bars, restaurants, or parties include background drinking. Emily suggests that her brief marriage to Patrick started with a drunken encounter.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Great Sequel by tamarka
I looked forward to this movie and was not disappointed. The action is still there jumping from one place to another and the chase scene was really good. I loved the interaction of "his parents" and the ending was great. I want to know what was on page 47. Another sequel maybe? I hope so. Take the whole family to this one--it's fun!
5
Great by Irabil
This is a wonderful action movie. The story is interesting. I am not sure it answers the plots question in the end but the chase is on and victory is achieved. A MUST GO TO SEE.
5
Best Sequel ...ever? by katherinekiyoko
I was very excited for the midnight premiere, but unsure of how well the sequel would actually be. But, this one completely broke the stereotype. In my opinion, it was even better than the first one. I rate this a definite must go, in fact go multiple times! I'm going again tomorrow!
5
National Treasure: no sequal after taste by therese_mz
Unlike Pirates of The Caribbean 2 which tasted heavy of a third movie, and was as confusing as plots could be, this Indiana Jones esque sequel sticks to one plot line, has wonderful comedic timing, and adds to its famous cast with Helen Mirren who plays a wonderful opposite to John Voight.
The film hints once at a third film, and leaves you in anticipation of another well done work.
5
Wow by kingpita
I went to see this movie when it opened at midnight and I was surprised. I normally don't expect much from sequels but this exceeded all of my expectations and actually left me thinking about a trilogy for this series. If your teetering on whether to see it or not, I would say go. I think you'll enjoy it and hopefully you will.
5
Great characters in this film by newkillerstar
I liked the first one a lot, but you really fall in love with the characters in this one. Cage and Kruger are both awesome but Riley was so hilarious in this one, you almost wish he could get his own movie series. The settings were great too. The whole time, I kept thinking it was almost like a Goonies for adults. Everyone should see this film in the theatres and just enjoy themselves.
3
National Treasure: Book of Same Scenes by revdto76
My wife and I loved the first Installment of National Treasure, and was looking forward very much for this follow-up movie, but as we watched part 2, "book of secrets" we both realiized too much of the same "scenes" from the first movie. Part 2 of what will turn out to be a classic first movie, was quite a letdown, the movie had a lot of action and suspense, but it was very predictable and deja-vu in content. I hope that part 3, probably something about "page 47" of the secret book, will have more creativity and less of the same old, same old. If there is a part three we will go to see it; if only to see if they can get it right the third time.
5
Another Great American Movie for the Whole Family by daveandmarga
I'm going to be quite honest, I am VERY picky about the movies my family watch. Even my wife and I don't watch an R movie unless it is REALLY REALLY good. In fact, we have only seen one in the past 4 years. We very much enjoy plain ole' good movies that don't have a bunch of garbage in them. We prefer Carey Grant movies to give you some idea of what we're like. This movie was fantastic. As avid living historians we look for the history to be accurate and they did a tremendous job with this film. As a professional musician it was nice to hear a variation, but still similiar sound in the soundtrack to the film. The acting was fine, nothing amazing, but not bad. As far as predictability - it's only predictable if you REALLY know your history. All in all, a great movie. I will be buying this when it comes out on video.
4
National Treasure by Moodysqd
I loved the first movie - I'm a real fan of any movie that involves treasure hunting and the thought that our ancestors may have been thinking forward to us and leaving us messages, clues, and even treasures (of material or cultural value). While I didn't like this one as well as the first movie, it was still interesting and enjoyable.
5
Excellent Family Fun! by mm6mm6
My wife, ten year old daughter and I saw NT2-BOS tonight. The theatre was packed. EVERYONE loved it! The laughs were plenty and they were intentional. The action was very exciting. The sets were huge and stunning. The giant landscape shots (London, Paris, Mount Rushmore) were breathtaking. The music is energetic and comes to a crescendo at just the right moments. The actors were obviously having a ton of fun making this movie. There's a reason Nicolas Cage is considered such a great actor. He can play any role. His character has more fun (note the bust out loud scene at Buckingham Palace) in this film than the first. I read an unfavorable review in a big city newspaper about NT2. I disagree completely with everything stated in it. This movie is escapism at its very best. To say it's "unbelievable" is ridiculous. It's an adventure movie about unlocking age old clues and finding hidden treasure. I guess the reviewer wants a "serious" treasure movie....