When one of Ben Gates's ancestors is implicated as the mastermind behind the assasination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, he and his father are spurred on to clear their family name. The trail that follows is an entertaining treasure chase around the world looking for clues to the whereabouts of a lost city of gold and proof of his ancestors patriotism.
Along the way, Ben must find a mythical book containing all the answers to all the secrets from American history, such as the truth about who really killed JFK, Area 51, the missing minutes from the Watergate tapes and so on. The book, supposedly added to by each American President and handed down from President to President throughout the years. Ben decides the only way to find the book is to kidnap the President.
Ok, I'm not going to spoil the film for those that want to watch it. To really enjoy this film you need to suspend your belief and just go with the flow. The acting isn't necessarily the best, it's tongue in cheek and is just plain good fun. Nicolas Cage plays his character well as does his hunky side kick Justin Bartha, who provides the wit and sarcasm needed to balance the tension that is created from the fast paced plot. The car chase around London by the baddies in a brewery waggon is quite good as car chases go.
The time goes quickly with this film and I always find that a good sign for a well spent entrance fee. Will I be buying this on DVD. You bet I will!
There is an obvious open ended question in this film, which leaves the film makers with the option of a second sequel. I'm already looking forward to finding out what was written on page 47 of the Book of Secrets.