National Treasure: Book of Secrets
December 25th 2007 14:52
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
When National Treasure was released, it was dismissed by the brotherhood for many reasons but chiefly, as the New York Times put it , for the "frisson of patriotism" that it was able to infect an audience with. That's at least honest. They did not invent a faux excuse of lack of historicity as they did when they loaded on Pearl Harbor. No matter how much they pounced on it, National Treasure broke the quarantine. It became a huge hit and unlike Pear Harbor, did not have to be restricted to a single outing and so, could keep sending those frissons of patriotism again and again.
Theerefore, it's not surprising that when National Treasure: Book of Secrets opened, the Brotherhood descended on it with all its might. But the last laugh belongs to the production team and Disney( more on that later).
That's not to say that the movie doesn't have flaws. It does. It's plot is too thin and it's action elements in particular, are plotless. Those which are not, are not very exciting (like the Presiden't kidnap). The chemistry thing among the characters doesn't work at all. Amber and Ben Gates were supposed to be bickering except that you don't know why they are. Maybe they are following Ben's dad n mum except this couple can't pull it off either. Which means none of the major characters, except for Justin Bartha's ridiculously cool and coolly ridiculous Riley Pool, work.
Matters are not helped by the director adopting a grungy style of The Bourne Ultimatum variety. Except for the magnificent view of New York Liberty in the background, none of the places and artifacts are really idealised, as in the first movie. This was, for me, one of the major aesthetic drawbacks as one of the big pleasures of the first movie was the intimacy and visual glamour lent to the landmarks that were used in the movie. Though it does manage to convey a non-fake respect for history and culture, it also lacks the original's carefree adventurous spirit.
Grounding the plot a bit more in the clue-busting than car-chasing would help matters much more for the next installment in the series. Even better, make Justin Bartha the hero.
For all these flaws, National Treasure: Book of Secrets still manages to be nice entertainment. And yes, those frissons of patriotism are particularly effective.
| 101 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Subscribe to this blog
