Any movie sequel has a hard time because it’s always compared to the original. I thought the ridiculous action scenes like the chase in London and collapse of the ancient city were just a bit too much to stomach. Everything from the bad guys stealing the clues to kidnapping the president seemed forced, pushed along by the need to have more action and nothing else. I guess contrived is the better word. It would have been a better movie for me with less crazy action and more storytelling.

The treasure hunting would’ve made for an exciting movie if it weren’t sullied by a half-baked patriotism angle and that undeveloped “proving my ancestor’s honor” tangent. Nic Cage makes for a poor Indiana Jones substitute. Granted, Indy’s professor by day / adventurer by night was well thought out and properly executed – in the first three movies anyway – but Nic Cage lacks Harrison Ford’s depth and charisma. And without its lead actor to anchor them, the rest of the cast resort to hamming it up every chance they get. Voight and Mirren are wasted in this flick. If what you’re looking for is adventure + treasure + action, Indiana Jones is your man. Go rent the trilogy, and nevermind this one.