Jerry Bruckheimer might produce a lot of crap, but if he’s done any good in this world it has been the Pirates of the Caribbean films and the National Treasure films. National Treasure came out in 2004 and featured one of greatest (and admittedly, perhaps the most ridiculous) premise I’ve heard of in an adventure film: that there was a map leading to a fabulous Templar treasure hidden on the back of the Declaration of Independence. National Treasure was just so passionately fuelled by a sense of adventure, patriotism and clever use of actual American history that it was one of the most enjoyable films of that year. But when you’ve done the Declaration of Independence; the most influential document ever written in America, where can you go from there? But I’m thrilled to report that the sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets recaptures the spirit of its predecessor and is a fantastically exciting film, most likely thanks to the fact that just about all the crew and cast have returned for the sequel.

The premise for this film is that Benjamin Franklin Gates (historian, adventurer and modern day Indiana Jones) is presented with a diary that has evidence that seems to say that Ben’s great grandfather was the mastermind behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. From there, he sets out on a quest to clear his family name and the film becomes one brilliant set-piece after the next which inexorably leads to a fabulous treasure.

Admittedly, the beginning did have me worried for a bit. While the way it starts is by no means bad, it doesn’t begin with the punch that the first film did, which started in a long-lost ship in the middle of the Antarctic with guns and explosives going off within minutes. Book of Secrets actually begins with the domestic and personal problems of the lead characters. The films’ hero Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) has just broken up with his love interest from the previous film, Abigail (Diane Kruger)* and meanwhile his friend Riley (Justin Bartha), despite being a published author, is not living the lifestyle he dreamt of. But best of all is the relationship between Ben Gates’ parents, played wonderfully by Jon Voight and Helen Mirren. The film cleverly intertwines the relationship problems with the quest story so that are there two conflicting forces at work. There are many scenes where ex-couples argue while security is closing in on them. It works brilliantly to double to the tension.

The production values of this film are of course very high. The actors are quality, the score is memorable and epic and the mix of real locations and sets are both seamless and beautiful. But what makes this film is good is its use of American history and its way of structuring events for the biggest impact. Alfred Hitchcock once gave the analogy of two men talking at a table when suddenly a bomb goes off. If you do that, you surprise the audience for moment. But if you show the bomb underneath the table with a four minute timer ticking down, you keep the audience excited for far longer. That’s generally the way Book of Secrets works.

The only time this theory doesn’t work is in the case of the Knights of the Golden Circle – the films baddies who are after the same treasure and are armed with guns and ruthlessness. However, a lack of character awareness of the KGC sometimes undermines the tension. They disappear for far too long at times and it’s not until well into the film that the lead characters have any idea that they’re up against the KGC. Instead, the more exciting opponent in this film is the law and security authorities. Ben Gates and his crew break into some iconic buildings and landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and the Whitehouse. It’s these kind of outlandish settings that take the risk factor to unbelievable levels. The most exciting moments in this film are when the heroes must use their wits to remain inconspicuous and avoid capture. However, that’s not to say that this film is without the occasional action set piece. But even in an action scene, the characters have to rely on wit and quick thinking to get them out of hot water. Not once does any hero character hold a gun or weapon of any sort. While the film does repeat set pieces from the previous film; namely a car chase and collapsing ruins over an abyss, even these are magnificently nail biting.

All this action and hiding-in-plain-sight stealth is coupled with a history lesson. Ben Gates and the other characters often make use of their intimate knowledge of American history to unravel clues. Because you know, that’s how treasure hunts work. It’s very cool because the history spouted in this film is pretty much accurate until they get to the point where they open up some iconic artefact to find an ancient clue. So you actually learn some interesting things about American (and even a bit of British and French) history, while being led on this tale.

While this film isn’t perfect, it is hard to criticise it unless you’re deeply cynical. OK, usually I am deeply cynical, but in this case I was so entertained and got a genuine adrenaline rush from watching this movie. Seriously, don’t write this film off as standard action fare. Go and rent National Treasure and then see Book of Secrets in cinemas. I guarantee you’ll be smiling and your heart will be pounding.**

I’ll bet that in a twenty-four years time we’ll be getting both excited and cynical at the long awaited return of an aging Nicolas Cage starring in National Treasure: Empire of the Gem Skull.

* Luckily, this is not a character write out. I’m looking at you Speed 2.a
** Guarantee does not apply to douchebags.