National Treasure: Book of Secrets

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Starring Nicholas Cage, Justin Bartha, Helen Kruger, Jon Voight, Helen Mirren, and Ed Harris

The first "National Treasure" didn't really woo, but it was exciting and entertaining to say the least. The villain was well developed and determined. The protagonist (Cage) was equally developed and determined. The love interest held our attention. However, all of these descent qualities went down the drain for "Book of Secrets."

Primarily, the excitement factor was on an all-time low. Cage, Bartha and Kruger's characters were dull, too intelligent, and hardly made mistakes. We knew, of course, that their goal would be accomplished the minute they "sang" the "I Want Song." Sure, there were many different locales all around the world, but it seemed forced and unattached.

Ed Harris is great. Yet, his role as the prime villain in "Book of Secrets" was his worst choice as an actor ever. This villain was a villain for maybe about 30 minutes of the film. Then he gained the Bugs Bunny "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" philosophy, only because Cage and his gang of nerds are way too smart for Harris' role. The last half hour or so was pointless. The writers tried to inflict terror in Harris' character by giving him a knife or setting him in power situations, but he was weak. The worst villain.

One aspect of the first "National Treasure" that was enjoyable was the beginning relationship between Cage and Kruger. It was childish and PG-rated, but was still a love connection. Beginning "Book of Secrets" with them separated could have been a wise choice, but it was inevitably predictable, and quite pointless. Oh, and what about Voight and Mirren? The best part of the film with their separated for years and rekindling their love, but not enough screen time! And, North Dakota?! And, how did everyone have just enough water bottles?! I digress.

If you want to see the blockbuster of December, go see "National Treasure: Book of Secrets," but you will be rewarded with a whole lot of pointlessness.

Grade: D+

Transformers

Transformers

Starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Rachael Taylor & Jon Voight

When seeing trailers for "Underdog," it's clear that some classic cartoons should stay just that. Yet, the way Michael Bay brings "Transformers" to the big screen (and to real life) is both fun to watch and distracting at times.

Shia LaBeouf is Sam Witwicky, a geeky sort of teen who needs enough money to buy a brand new car, and once he does, he gets the chick (Megan Fox). Sam and Mikalea are forced - and as time will tell - destined into a worldly battle against good and evil robots. These robots, of course, can take the form of anything mechanical and transform into their original state at will.

One step away from the original "Transformer's" cartoon is that humans play a large role in the film - more than half of it - whereas the cartoon focused on the doings of the Transformers. This is not a flaw of the movie at all. As the movie directs itself to the Transformers, it is odd and bizarre the way they speak and talk, which is probably humorous to children and idiots, but is equivocal to others. The humans are much more enjoyable, particularly new-comer bombshells Megan Fox and Aussie star Rachael Taylor who plays the very intelligent, sexy, nerdy computer freak. LaBeouf, once again, shows that a blockbuster hit can't take down his love for acting. His charisma resonates off the screen as he brings humor and wit to his character.

Not only is LaBeouf highly entertaining, but the special effects are out of this world. Every detail of the robots transformations can be seen and Bay brings all he knows and failed to do in movies like "The Island" to "Transformers." Honestly, the special effects should be the top contender for special effects for next year's Oscars.

Grade: B-