REWINE | DVD REVIEWS | NATIONAL TREASURE 2: BOOK OF SECRETS | DONNE TEMPO
National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets
(Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment- $23.95 to $34.99 for Blu-ray compatible home entertainment centers)By Jacquie Kubin
The whole idea that the Presidents of the United States (not the band, the elected guys) have, since George Washington, been keeping a book of Presidential secrets is so intriguing. I have to admit I like the idea.
I also have to admit that I am waiting for the next great Nicolas Cage movie.
Add to the incredible intelligence of Gates, Helen Mirren, as his mom, Professor Emily Appleton. Mom just so happens to be one of the only two or three people alive who can decipher obscure Native American pictographs to reveal where the treasure lies.
As in the first movie, this puzzler takes Gates, his ex-girlfriend Abigal Chase (Diane Kruger) and techno-geek sidekick Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) through a series of improbable situations. Enhancing the pathos is that Dad, a slightly doddering Jon Voight, seems to end up in the middle of the fray all too easily.
Their quest takes them on a madcap journey to South Dakota by way of London, England, during which they have lots of fun. Good car chases, unlikable bad guys (Ed Harris), and an overt sense of patriotism and “because it’s the right thing to do” and its not a wholly unlikable movie.
The cast is a great ensemble that neither takes itself too seriously or the movie to lightly. The special effects are incredible, and the movies added features take full advantage of the chance to show off exactly how an underground city of gold can be created.
All that aside, however, and this movie is not about Gates seeking said treasure as much as Gate’s insane, patriotic infused need to clear his great-grandfather’s name after he is implicated in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
And of course that ancestral implicating is done by the bad guy (Ed Harris,) who is obviously smart enough to know that by manipulating the super-brainy Gates, he will be lead to the treasure without actually having to figure out the non sequitur string of clues.
There are stand out moments that will have you all laughing, and loving, Riley who, in a blast of “why am I here, no one appreciates me for me” cynicism states “So let’s recap: We’ve broken in Buckingham Palace, and the Oval Office, stolen a page for the President’s super-secret book, and actually kidnapped the President of the Untied States. What are we gonna do next, short-sheet the Pope’s bed?”
The improbability of what they do, is summed up in that statement. The fact that the characters know what they are doing is improbable, makes it believable for us, the viewers, to accept the premise and just have fun.
You have to love the ease in which Gates walks into almost anywhere he wants with a “yes, I belong here” swagger which teeters on the edge of making the movie almost campy.
However, the fact that this is an intelligent cast of characters that are allowed to be just so much smatter than the average bear, instead of disbelieving, you find yourself smirking along with them as they, time and time again, tap dance past security.
Face it our belief is suspended when Gates is able to kidnap the President in the catacombs beneath George Washington’s Mount Vernon. And we stay firmly out of touch with reality, and really enjoy the ride, all the way to the point where Gates figures out that 8oz. bottles of Crystal Gyser may be the key to the final puzzle.
The highlights of this film are many. Cage looks good. Bartha is adorable. Dame Helen Mirren and Jon Voight (Gates Sr., Ben’s Dad) have a remarkable chemistry and seem to really have a lot of fun together. Diane Kruger is pretty enough to be the fem fatale that gets them past White House Secret Service without being so pretty as to make female viewers hate her.
The cast really is a lot of fun. They work together easy. It is a fun romp through an adventure filled popcorn movie that required three Oscar Winning actors to accomplish (really, this movie is completely about the cast!)
Oscar winners aside, the real stars of this movie are some of the great locations they visited in filming – Buckingham Palace, The Library of Congress, Mount Vernon, The White House Oval Office,. A variety of really great historical destinations that are remarkable to see in all their Blu-Ray clarity.
TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES ...
What secrets do you think any of the Presidents
might have included in a “Presidential Book of
Secrets?”
Is Gates misguided by his compulsion to clear his Great Grandfather’s name? I mean, does it really matter?
Which of the iconic destinations – Buckingham Palace, The Library of Congress, Mount Rushmore, Mount Vernon, Fords Theater and The White House, have you visited, or would like to visit?
Who are the Oscar Winning actors in this film and what did they win for?
Is Gates misguided by his compulsion to clear his Great Grandfather’s name? I mean, does it really matter?
Which of the iconic destinations – Buckingham Palace, The Library of Congress, Mount Rushmore, Mount Vernon, Fords Theater and The White House, have you visited, or would like to visit?
Who are the Oscar Winning actors in this film and what did they win for?
EXTRAS ON THE DVD
The highlight of the extras is clearly the Book
of History: The Fact and Fiction of NT2
interactive that mixes an educational resource
with a "Fact or Fiction" quiz. It is not only
worth watching the movie again with this
onscreen layout but a great way to spend an
evening.
Below is a list of extras from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.
Audio Commentary
Director Jon Turteltaub and Academy award winning actor Jon Voight provide exclusive commentary for the film.
Deleted Scenes
Jon Turteltaub introduces extended and deleted scenes including “Pursuit At Rushmore: The Unseen Chapter, ” in which the intrepid group of treasure hunters makes its way into the Black Hills of South Dakota while doing their best to avoid the FBI.
The Treasure Reel
A collection of outtakes and bloopers from the set of National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
Secrets of a Sequel
Filmmakers Jon Turteltaub and Jerry Bruckheimer join the cast and crew to talk about making the follow-up to the phenomenally successful National Treasure.
The Book of Secrets: On Location
From the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota to London’s historic Buckingham Palace, National Treasure: Book of Secrets was given unprecedented access to previously off limits locations. Go behind the scenes at the Library of Congress, Mount Vernon, Buckingham Palace and the Statue of Liberty in Paris.
Street Stunts: Creating the London Chase
Take a high speed tour of London’s most recognizable landmarks as the film’s unforgettable adrenaline-fueled chase scene is created in historic city streets.
Inside the Library of Congress
An informative feature about the workings of the nation’s most important library provides an up-close look at precious national artifacts and the conservation techniques that safeguard these priceless pieces of American history.
Underground Action
The sets, the stunts and the action that create the film’s powerful climax as the race to reach the lost City of Gold unfolds.
Cover Story: Crafting the Presidents’ Book
A fascinating look at the propmasters and designers who created the legendary book central to National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
Evolution of a Golden City
A look at the Hollywood sets, CGI techniques and visual effects that brought the legendary City of Gold to life.
Knights of the Golden Circle
Who were the real Knights of the Golden Circle? A short documentary traces one of America’s most mysterious and influential organizations to its roots, including interviews with KGC expert Warren Getler, the cast and crew.
Easter Eggs
Including a conversation about Beverly Hills High School with fellow alums Nic Cage and Jon Turteltaub, a look at the White House lawn scene as filmed in front of a blue screen and much more.
Book of History: The Fact and Fiction of NT2
Is National Treasure: Book of Secrets historical fact or historical fiction? Pop Quiz that test people on the history, characters, places and events that took place in the movie. Find out which historical details in the film are true and which were invented with an exclusive popup quiz. It is a fully- interactive in-movie experience.
Two Additional Deleted Scenes
With introductions by director Jon Turteltaub
Below is a list of extras from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.
Audio Commentary
Director Jon Turteltaub and Academy award winning actor Jon Voight provide exclusive commentary for the film.
Deleted Scenes
Jon Turteltaub introduces extended and deleted scenes including “Pursuit At Rushmore: The Unseen Chapter, ” in which the intrepid group of treasure hunters makes its way into the Black Hills of South Dakota while doing their best to avoid the FBI.
The Treasure Reel
A collection of outtakes and bloopers from the set of National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
Secrets of a Sequel
Filmmakers Jon Turteltaub and Jerry Bruckheimer join the cast and crew to talk about making the follow-up to the phenomenally successful National Treasure.
The Book of Secrets: On Location
From the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota to London’s historic Buckingham Palace, National Treasure: Book of Secrets was given unprecedented access to previously off limits locations. Go behind the scenes at the Library of Congress, Mount Vernon, Buckingham Palace and the Statue of Liberty in Paris.
Street Stunts: Creating the London Chase
Take a high speed tour of London’s most recognizable landmarks as the film’s unforgettable adrenaline-fueled chase scene is created in historic city streets.
Inside the Library of Congress
An informative feature about the workings of the nation’s most important library provides an up-close look at precious national artifacts and the conservation techniques that safeguard these priceless pieces of American history.
Underground Action
The sets, the stunts and the action that create the film’s powerful climax as the race to reach the lost City of Gold unfolds.
Cover Story: Crafting the Presidents’ Book
A fascinating look at the propmasters and designers who created the legendary book central to National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
Evolution of a Golden City
A look at the Hollywood sets, CGI techniques and visual effects that brought the legendary City of Gold to life.
Knights of the Golden Circle
Who were the real Knights of the Golden Circle? A short documentary traces one of America’s most mysterious and influential organizations to its roots, including interviews with KGC expert Warren Getler, the cast and crew.
Easter Eggs
Including a conversation about Beverly Hills High School with fellow alums Nic Cage and Jon Turteltaub, a look at the White House lawn scene as filmed in front of a blue screen and much more.
Book of History: The Fact and Fiction of NT2
Is National Treasure: Book of Secrets historical fact or historical fiction? Pop Quiz that test people on the history, characters, places and events that took place in the movie. Find out which historical details in the film are true and which were invented with an exclusive popup quiz. It is a fully- interactive in-movie experience.
Two Additional Deleted Scenes
With introductions by director Jon Turteltaub
FOOD TO VIEW BY - Donne Tempo’s Mac n’ Cheese
Donne Tempo’s Mac n’ Cheese
Mac n’ Cheese needs to have plenty of rich flavor to be really good. With this recipe, the reduced chicken stock provides a nice undertone of richness that supports the creamy melted cheese.2 cups Low Sodium Chicken stock (the better the quality or homemade is best)
2 Tbs Unsalted butter
4 cups Shredded Hard Cheese (I like to use a combination of Wisconsin cheddar and parraregino cheeses.)
1 pint Cream (use as needed
1 Tbs Yellow mustard
8 0z Macaroni or pasta
1/2 Cup Breadcrums
Cook the macaroni so that it is still very al dente (still very firm – almost undercooked) and completely drain. Set aside to cool. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In 2-quart saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Reduce by half to approximately 1 cup liquid. Let slightly cool and add butter whisking to mix and swirl in about 1/2 the cream and bring back to a slow boil (you want it very hot, but not a fast boil as it will spoil the cream.)
Slowly add the cheese using a rubber spatula allowing it to melt. You want to add enough cheese, while reducing the broth, until it begins to thicken. You need to keep the sauce warm enough that the cheese melts and does not clump together.
Once the sauce begins to show signs of thickening, add the yellow mustard to taste, salt and white pepper if you desire (do not use black pepper, it is too bitter against the cheese). If the sauce is not thick enough, use a sprinkle of Arrowroot (available in the spice section of the store) as a thickener, but use it sparingly. You can always add more.
You may use more or less cheese as it really depends on the cheese that you are using. Hard cheeses are definitely the best, however, I have made some great Mac n’ Cheese using Humboldt Fog and other soft, flavorful cheeses.
When the sauce is done, pour it over the macaroni in a casserole dish, cover with the cheese sauce, sprinkle more cheese on top and sprinkle bread crumbs, or crushed potato chips on top.
Preparation Note: With any recipe, please practice safe and healthy preparation techniques using new utensils between products, wiping counters and cutting boards of juices so as not to share food containments and always checking with a temperature probe for doneness.
These recipes are all from Jacquie Kubin’s library. Unfortunately, she cooks by feel and warns that any recipe is only a suggestion. Change it and make it your own. If you have questions, suggestion or recipe to share, email Jacquie at editor@donnetempo.com
FOOD TO VIEW BY - Donne’s Favorite Mac-Meatloaf
Donne’s Favorite Mac-Meatloaf
It takes a deft hand to combine just the right amount of liquid and dry ingredients to keep your meatloaf packed together without being dense or falling apart.
I have had good luck with the following recipe.
3/4 pd Quality Sirloin (ask the butcher to grind a Sirloin Steak for you.)
1/4 pd Ground pork
1 small Onion finely diced
1/4 cup Carrot finely diced (I like to use baby carrots)
1/4 cup Cream
1 egg yolk
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/8 cup fresh parsley
Seasonings
Prepare loaf pans and preheat over to 425 degrees.
Bring meat to room temperature (15 minutes). Do not let it get warm. It should be cool to touch, but not cold. Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk cream and egg yolk together in cold bowl until slightly firm. Pour over meat and, using hands or two large knives, mix together.
Add onion, carrot, parsley and 1/2 the Panko bread crumbs. Mix. The mixture should be very moist, but not wet. Pinch off a ball and roll it on the counter.
If it forms, and holds it shape, don’t add more bread crumbs.
If it is crumbly, add more milk, whipped egg white or a squirt of ketchup or BBQ sauce.
If it is too wet and won’t hold its shape or is goopy, add more breadcrumbs. I have also added some hard cheddar cheese to a mixture that was just too “wet.”
Form into loaf and place in pan. Cook at 425 for 10 minutes then reduce heat to 350 for 40 minutes. Check internal temperature. Final temperature should be 160 degrees F, however I usually remove from the oven at 150 degrees, cover with a clean towel and leave on the top of the stove to “set” during which time it should raise the additional 10 degrees.
Preparation Note: With any recipe, please practice safe and healthy preparation techniques using new utensils between products, wiping counters and cutting boards of juices so as not to share food containments and always checking with a temperature probe for doneness.
These recipes are all from Jacquie Kubin’s library. Unfortunately, she cooks by feel and warns that any recipe is only a suggestion. Change it and make it your own. If you have questions, suggestion or recipe to share, email Jacquie at editor@donnetempo.com
FOOD TO VIEW BY - Mac’s Hot Apple Pie
Mac’s Hot Apple Pie
Because Mac is a busy guy, we use a pre-baked pie crust, or you can make your own.Applie Pie Filling
8 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and sliced or cubed (the pieces should be the same size to ensure even cooking.)
1/2 Cup Softened, unsalted butter
1/2 Cup Organic Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Organic Sugar
1/4 Cup Organic Apple Juice
3 Tbs Flour
Cinnamon
Preheat over to 425 degrees F.
Melt butter in pan and add flour to create a pasted, Add sugars and juice, bring to a boil and simmer for about five minutes.
Add apples and cook until just fork tender.
Place in pie pan and sprinkle with Cinnamon to taste. Cover with top crust. Bake 15 minutes and reduce heat to 350 degrees F and continue baking for 30 minutes. Check with knife, if clean remove. If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes, and check again.
Preparation Note: With any recipe, please practice safe and healthy preparation techniques using new utensils between products, wiping counters and cutting boards of juices so as not to share food containments and always checking with a temperature probe for doneness.
These recipes are all from Jacquie Kubin’s library. Unfortunately, she cooks by feel and warns that any recipe is only a suggestion. Change it and make it your own. If you have questions, suggestion or recipe to share, email Jacquie at editor@donnetempo.com