It's not very often that I enjoy a sequel as much as an original, which is really unfortunate since that's all Hollywood seems to want to make lately. This is a great film. It's not even overly dependent on the first film. If you had seem the first film you'll enjoy it a bit more but you won't be lost like you would in a lot of sequels. It also sets up a third movie although it does so in a rather creative manor instead of just chopping the plot in half or having the bad guy get away, etc. Nobodies going to win any awards for this, but it was fun. Go see it.

What about the PG” Rating?

Mostly for violent sequences. Our society has become so risk averse that very concept of adventure means it can't be general admittance.

What if I hate Nicolas Cage?

I personally love Cage as an actor. I think he's brilliant, but I created this category because many popular actors aren't popular in every demographic. They are liked by women but not young men or vise versa. Some just rub you the wrong way.

This is a standard Nick Cage movie. If you like him you'll like the film. If you don't like him he'll annoy you. Last time I reviewed Cage I listed “ConAir” and “Leaving Los Vegas” as atypical Cage movies that are worth seeing. This time I'll add “8mm.” I'll put it right next to “Leaving Los Vegas” as a fantastic/wonderful/amazing film I hope to never see again and kinda wish I hadn't seen the first time.

Larger Story

In addition to the adventure aspects of this movie, which are pretty obvious, I love it for the same reason I loved its predecessor. It's a film about a man's passion. And what better to be passionate about than US history. This film ignites the imagination, excites the our core need for adventure and sets a standard of patriotism I used to believe in as a boy.

Ok, sure, the treasure represents wealth and fame, but it could stand for anything including the “pearl of great price.” An adventurous journey, unlocking secrets that lead to what you've always believed could be real. That's life abundant. That's something that calls out to every man or woman and something deep inside us aches to answer that call. Plus, there is a great exchange between Gates and the President of the United states.

Writers: Cormac Wibberley, and Marianne Wibberley.
Directed by Jon Turteltaub
Running time: 1 hr 4 mins.
Rated PG

All through time, there had been a lot of misconceptions regarding the motives behind his death. It is in the History Channel's release that for concerned politicians and common citizens alike - the real story could be made out. Our love for Abe Lincoln is sufficed. - And it is not only because of this that “The Lincoln Assassination” remains a worthy educational/entertainment source. - “The Lincoln Assassination” also gives pleasure to the regular student film-seer as much as it is food for history experts.

First, the production of “The Lincoln Assassination” is superior in quality. This is best seen by the film's cinematography, which takes the viewers back through time during the moments when Abraham Lincoln lived, and died. The first video of the two began by introducing the characters that took part, including of which is none other than Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth.

The dramatization elements gave us a glimpse of the thoughts and emotions of the people revolving around Lincoln and involved in the assassination. The film makers' perspective given upon the assassin colored the documentary as not all are aware that Booth was a stage actor after all and that he was not at all insane - one important hypothesis that the film ruled out as sufficient reason to kill the President. The plotting of the documentary is simply awe dropping.

The first film demonstrated Booth's agenda in relation to the release of Confederate prisoners, and culminated the moment he pulled the trigger pointing at the President. The second part of the 2-volume production was not given to sheer credits and such "extras." In fact, this is where the action is; this is where the program reached climaxed giving more than what the viewers expected.

It gave out the information that everyone is thirsting for - the central message of “The Lincoln Assassination” - the sharing of the drama behind the President's death - the knowing interpretation of the event's real (most probable) cause and what happened next to the culprits. The documentary's director simply lets us realize and feel that the Lincoln assassination is a real and serious event in history, and that it needs further scrutiny. The Lincoln assassination could not remain as a mere legend in history, happening over a century since.

Presidential assassinations are one of great concern to the country and it is by this reason that the documentary catches viewers' attention by sharing the needed information about the death of "Our Abe," and possibly - to expose other (and prospective) assassinations.

To add, the documentary is not only informative - it is dramatic. The dramatic mood of the film is supported by actual materials used in the documentary, which could not at all be called mere props. There were real letters sent to threaten the President, knife used by conspirator, and photographs of the persons involved. Even among the characters are the real descendants of the president's assassin and conspirator. These true-to-life relics had the power to move anyone. The documentary is so rich in detail that not one could pass not seeing it.

Compared to fictional movies basing on real historical events, “The Lincoln Assassination's credibility lies on the fact that it is supported by the brains of forensic experts and practiced historians; unlike history-based movies, the documentary does not have inaccuracies in information. And compared to books, “The Lincoln Assassination” delved into the sentiments of the characters as well - the raging character of Booth, the President's felt tumult about his own death, the nation's mourning.

On the low side, the 2-part program could be dragging. The sounds, or lack of sound, could drowse at some points, specifically on the interviews/commentary parts, but overall, the information that the film served readily is enough to keep our eyes open and our minds rampaging as the documentary gives light and justice to President Lincoln's death.