Wern't we all amazed when the first installation of this series (a big hint as to the next sequel was dropped in this one) remained on the theater marquee for what seemed like six months? When it finally hit the cheap theater, I went to see it. Though it wallows through many a scum-pond of hoakum, I'll admit to being swept along at times. With the success of it's predacessor America sent a message to Hollywood "we want crazy action, the more patriotic the better, no need to fuss about with character."

As we pick up the story our three intrepid leads from the original have fallen on less-glorious times. Nicholas Cage and his wife/sidekick Diane Kruger have separated over the fact that one of them uses the word "so" in ways that the other finds fractious and annoying. Never fear however, as their seperation is merely a narrative device needed to allow them access to the Oval Office. (or Oral Office if you're a Clinton fan) in the second act. The third member of our brave trio, Justin Bartha, has written a book about the exploits of the first film that no one is buying because they've already seen the movie.

The title of the film refers to an alleged secret dossier handed from one President to the next, wherein all of our country's secrets are contained (i.e. the straight dope on JFK, Area 51, Did we really land on the moon or was it all an elaborate hoax and NASA simply hairsprayed the flag to get it to stand so rigid? What really happened to Marilyn Monroe? And on and on.) Included in the Book of Secrets is a big clue regarding the whereabouts of a mythical "City of Gold." A place that if Cage can find it, he will be forgiven for kidnapping the President, and a few other such minor offenses. Most significant for him and his treasure hunting father (Jon Voight) is that it will clear the name of their great, great, great grandfather whose name is suddenly Mudd, because Ed Harris has come forth with the missing page from John Wilks Booths diary in whicn great gramps name is listed - perhaps as a conspirator in the assassination of Lincoln.

As it turns out, Booth was after the City of Gold as was Custer, Martin and Lewis and Clark - Gramps was on the list because Booth believed he might be the only man capable of deciphering the code written into the treasure map. By thus impuning the character of their beloved ancestor, Harris' move is a gambit that works like a charm. Soon Cage and Poole and father and estranged wife are hopscotching the globe and puzzling together the clues that will lead them toward the gilded McGuffin.

Throughout the first act of the film I thought I'd possibly injured an occular muscle by the sheer number of times I rolled my eyes. For example, their first order of business was to penetrate the security of Buckingham Palace in order to seek a clue from a desk in the inner sanctum of the Queen. This was easily accomplished by setting up a computer system in a bathroom stall that taps into the video security system, foiling the flustered Bobbies at every turn. In the process Cage manages to repair his failing marriage as the wayward Mrs. happens to be there. (I suppose there was a plausible reason - I just can't recall what it was.) Repaired relationships is the overriding emotional theme of the film - did any of it ring even remotely genuine, despite the likes of Jon Voight and Helen Mirren? Please. This is cinematic fast food, courtesy of the Ray Crock of Hollywood, Jerry Bruckheimer.

Book of Secrets lacks the humor that the first installment also lacked only more so as the comic relief furnished by Cage's top banana Justin Bartha is absent the snap and surprise of the first go around. He still had that dead pan look and delivery, but the writing just isn't there this time out. Cage is sufficient as are Harris, Harvey Keitel, Voight, Mirren (just think if you made a real movie with that cast?) This most impressive roster are on board for the pay check and I suppose the fact that they did serviceable work is to be commended. None of them are given much to say or do beyond running around alternately looking frightened or delighted. All this said, I will admit that if you just relax and just let yourself flow with the action a good time can be had. It's happy ending and positive message is a tonic to the mood of gloom and cinicism prevalent due to such superior films as No Country For Old Men, There Will Be Blood, The Mist, I Am Legend et. al.