National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)

Rabin finds the sequel goofy and entertaining, though overlong and tiring near the end. He especially praises Nicolas Cage’s hammy comic moments and the film’s infectious silliness.

The review’s verdict cannot be determined from the accessible page. No praise or complaint from the critic is available to report.

The review presents the sequel as an implausible but star-studded adventure. It singles out Helen Mirren for bringing comedy to the proceedings.

The review finds the sequel zippier and more entertaining than the original, though still preposterous, and calls it slick family-sized escapism. It praises the brisk pace for carrying the film past its plot holes and implausibilities.

Schager finds the sequel a brisk but incoherent collection of cheap thrills. He faults its shallow characters and singles out Helen Mirren’s undignified role for particular complaint.

Crust finds the sequel increasingly forced and says it wears out its welcome quickly. He singles out its repetitive formula and overblown escalation, while noting that Justin Bartha gets the best throwaway lines.

Grierson’s opening verdict presents the sequel as derivative of its influences and its predecessor. He singles out that lack of originality as the central complaint.

Bradshaw finds the adventure occasionally entertaining but mostly tired. He objects to its semi-serious conspiracy theories, especially its portrayal of Britain as responsible for America’s slave-owning past.

Honeycutt finds the sequel a letdown, repeating the original with new locations and little of its charm. He faults its implausible, stunt-driven story and says the popcorn fun has disappeared.

Chang finds the sequel a disappointing exercise in diminishing returns, with less clever puzzles and mechanical character interactions. He notes that Helen Mirren and Ed Harris add welcome star power, but the script’s weak humor and perfunctory treatment of history drag the film down.

Osmond finds the sequel turgid and humourless, with a muddled adventure that loses sight of plot and characters. He singles out the finale’s Goonies-like echoes as offering some spark, though with fewer thrills and weaker villains.

Kermode finds it entertaining and charming, though less distinctive and emotionally effective than its predecessor. She praises the likable characters and accomplished cast, while faulting the uninteresting puzzles and familiar imitation of Indiana Jones.

The critic considers the film a painful, deeply disappointing failure. They single out its baffling, needlessly twist-filled plot as a major reason it becomes boring.