In case you missed the first film (and, if you did, shame on you and go watch it RIGHT NOW), the National Treasure movies concern the Gates family. They come from a long line of patriots who also just happen to be treasure hunters. In the first film, they were searching for the lost treasure of the Knights Templar, and we learned a lot about the Masons and Masonic tradition. This time around, we’re looking for the lost City of Gold, a supposed relic of Native American civilization.
Leading the way is Benjamin Gates (Nicolas Cage), historian and adventurer. He and his dad, Patrick (Jon Voight) get immersed in this hunt when a mysterious man, Mitch Wilkinson (Ed Harris), claims to have proof that a Gates ancestor was part of the group that plotted to kill Abraham Lincoln. That’s not quite the way the story’s been passed down in Gates family history, and Ben and Patrick are determined to clear their ancestor’s name.
Also back for the ride this time are Ben’s sidekick Riley Poole (Justin Bartha, who’s even better at stealing scenes than he was in the original), and Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger). When last we saw Abigail and Ben, they were settling into domestic bliss, but here they’ve split up and are arguing over who gets the Boston tea tables. Riley’s always game to go after treasure; while he’s just written a book, he’s also in trouble with the IRS, and Abigail gets caught up in the mystery.
While the first movie stayed in the U.S., this one travels to both Paris and London. London, in particular, is the scene of an amazing car chase (more on that below). Anyway, it’s through uncovering clues in those places that the Gateses and friends begin to see what’s going on. Now, if there was only someone who could translate ancient Native symbols. Oh, wait, there is – Ben’s mom, Emily (Helen Mirren). Just because she and Ben’s dad haven’t spoken in 32 years doesn’t mean she won’t help; she’ll do it for Ben.
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