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