Home

Where True “Treasure” Lies

 

by DeWayne Hamby

 

Even if National Treasure: Book of Secrets were not a sequel, the new film would still serve well as a stand-alone fable about the pursuit of wealth. Though the original revolved around Benjamin Gates (Nicholas Cage) protecting artifacts from modern-day pirates, the second film places its true treasure in family and reputation, an excellent illustration of Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold (NIV).”

 

When Gates is confronted with his great, great grandfather’s implication in an Abraham Lincoln assassination plot, he enlists his friend Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), estranged girlfriend Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) and father Patrick Gates (Jon Voight) on an adventure to discover the truth and protect the family reputation. To make things more interesting, there’s a treasure involved, serving as a good distraction for those with less honorable intentions, namely Mitch Wilkinson (Ed Harris). 

 

Helen Mirren also joins the action this time around as Gates’ mother, Emily Appleton, making the story a true family affair while at the same time confounding critics assuming her recent acquisition of a little golden Oscar might prohibit her involvement with such a whimsical tale. Fellow Oscar alumni Cage and Voight can relate.