I like history, but unfortunately I am far from being a history buff. All the dates and names get jumbled in my head, and I have a hard time remembering everything I learned in school. But there are a few facts that just stuck. One tidbit is that Abraham Lincoln was our 16th president. Don’t ask me who the 15th or 17th presidents were (thank you, Google: James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson), but for whatever reason, I never forgot that Lincoln was our 16th president (my admiration for him might have something to do with it). 

 

Earlier this year when I saw the preview for National Treasure 2, I couldn’t wait to see it. I enjoyed the first one so much, and this sequel seemed particularly intriguing because the story is partly based on the assassination of Lincoln. A missing page from John Wilkes Booth’s diary emerges and implicates treasure hunter-historian Ben Gates’ great-great grandfather as a co-conspirator in the president’s death. Gates (Nicolas Cage) and his father, Patrick (Jon Voight) know that their ancestor is innocent. Ben Gates sets off on a global adventure to reclaim his family’s honor.

 

Along the way Gates and his team realize that they are not alone in the search for answers. Jeb Wilkinson (Ed Harris), the owner of the diary page, is out to make a name for his family. He also knows that all the clues lead to the greatest treasure ever found, and he will stop at nothing to earn credit for the discovery. 

National Treasure 2 is a great movie choice for a family outing. It even has a subtle message of forgiveness and restoration. If you haven’t seen National Treasure, I recommend that you rent it. But you don’t have to see that one first to enjoy the sequel.

 

Both National Treasure films have the perfect mix of action, humor, adventure and history. They succeed in being entertaining and educational—not an easy thing to do. And although this sequel is not quite as compelling as the first film, I am already hoping there will be a National Treasure 3.