National Treasure 2-Book of Secrets (Single Disc Widescreen) (2007)

Reel.com 5 of 10
It used to be, audiences didn't care if an action movie was brainless, as long as it delivered the goods. Provide ample stuntwork, some mind-blowing special effects, and a linear narrative pitting good (or gallant) vs. evil (or Eastern European) and you have a semi-guarantee of success. But nowadays, thanks to the intellectualized approach taken by Bond and Bourne, audiences demand a little heft with their heroics. Sadly, there's not much cinematic substance to the growing National Treasure franchise. This Book of Secrets sequel to the surprise hit should be subtitled Thrillers for Dummies. It's nothing more than a series of A.D.D.-driven vignettes held together by the flimsiest of plots, helmed by the dude who made 3 Ninjas. 'Nuff said...The results play like the outline for a dour Discovery Channel special, the kind that grinds along smugly excusing its lack of spark as part of the "joy of learning." Unfortunately, the only thing gleaned from this two-hour trek into extended exposition is that Part Three is right around the corner. Maybe this year's red carpet recipients can book their passage before the series' ship sails again. It's assured they'll be the only ones benefiting. - Bill Gibron
 
Chicago Sun-Times 6 of 10
"National Treasure: Book of Secrets" has without a doubt the most absurd and fevered plot since, oh, say, "National Treasure" (2004). What do I mean by fevered? What would you say if I told you that Mt. Rushmore was carved only in order to erase landmarks pointing to a fabled City of Gold built inside the mountain?...The person who attends "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" expecting logic and plausibility is on a fool's mission. This is a Mouth Agape Movie, during which your mouth hangs open in astonishment at one preposterous event after another. This movie's plot doesn't play tennis without a net, but also without a ball and a racket. It spins in its own blowback. And, no, I don't know what that means, but this is the kind of movie that makes you think of writing it...I gotta say, the movie has terrific if completely unbelievable special effects. The actors had fun, I guess. You might, too, if you like goofiness like this. Look at the cast: Cage and Voight and Helen Mirren and Ed Harris and Diane Kruger and Harvey Keitel and Justin Bartha and Bruce Greenwood. You could start with a cast like that and make one of the greatest movies of all time, which is not what happened here. - Roger Ebert