Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

National Treasure: Book of Secrets is perfectly fine family entertainment—emphasis on 'fine.' It's safe, it's mostly wholesome, and it might even get your kid interested in the Lincoln Memorial or Mount Rushmore.

But let's be real: critics gave it 35% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. It's a sequel that feels like a sequel—retreading the same treasure-hunting formula with diminishing returns. The historical puzzles are fun but increasingly absurd (the President has a secret book!), and the movie takes itself just seriously enough to make you roll your eyes.

That said, it's harmless. If your family enjoyed the first National Treasure, this delivers more of the same. If you're looking for something to watch on a rainy Sunday that won't rot anyone's brain or traumatize the younger kids, this fits the bill. Just don't expect anyone to remember much about it a week later.

The WISE score reflects that it's competent, safe, and mildly enriching—but also that it's nearly 20 years old and wasn't even that great when it came out. It's the media equivalent of a perfectly acceptable but forgettable family road trip.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-14 who enjoy adventure movies and have some interest in history or puzzles. Younger kids might get bored during the talky exposition scenes, while teens will likely find it too corny and predictable unless they're nostalgic National Treasure fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Family-friendly adventure with positive themes of loyalty, teamwork, and clearing a family name. Models cooperation between the main characters (Ben, Abigail, Riley) working together to solve historical puzzles. No toxic relationships or mean-spirited humor. The pacing is adventurous but not chaotic, and the tone stays light throughout despite the historical stakes.

Imaginative

72

Built around creative historical puzzle-solving and treasure hunting that sparks curiosity about American history and famous landmarks. The premise of following clues from John Wilkes Booth's diary to uncover secrets is inventive, and the film invites viewers to think about hidden history and codes. However, it's more about following a pre-set mystery than encouraging open-ended creative expression. Still, it can inspire interest in history, cryptography, and problem-solving.

Safe

82

PG-rated adventure with minimal concerning content. Common Sense Media rates it for age 9+, suggesting mild action sequences and some peril but no graphic violence, gore, nudity, or sexual content. The action is typical Disney adventure fare—chases, close calls, but nothing traumatic or scary. No surprise death or disturbing content. The historical context (Lincoln assassination) is handled respectfully and age-appropriately. This is predictable, safe family entertainment.

Enriching

65

Offers some educational value through American history, famous landmarks (Mount Rushmore, the Library of Congress), and historical figures. Encourages critical thinking through puzzle-solving and code-breaking. Models persistence and defending family honor. However, it takes significant historical liberties and is primarily entertainment rather than deep learning. The history is more window-dressing than substance. Still, it can spark curiosity that leads to further learning, and the problem-solving elements have cognitive value.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Clean family adventure that won't make you cringe or worry about what your kids are watching—just popcorn fun with zero edge
Can genuinely spark interest in American history, landmarks, and puzzle-solving, even if the history is about 40% accurate
Models teamwork and loyalty as the crew works together to solve increasingly elaborate historical riddles
The action is exciting enough to keep kids engaged but mild enough that no one's having nightmares

⚠

What to Watch For

Some mild action sequences—chases, narrow escapes, characters in peril—but nothing graphic or traumatic
Takes massive historical liberties; if your kid becomes a history buff, they'll eventually learn this movie is mostly fiction with historical names attached
It's a 2007 sequel, so the pacing and effects feel a bit dated compared to modern blockbusters—some kids might find it slow

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if you found a mysterious diary with hidden clues in it?"
"Why do you think Ben cares so much about clearing his great-great-grandfather's name?"
"Which historical landmark from the movie would you most want to visit in real life?"
"If you could hide a treasure anywhere, where would you put it and what clues would you leave?"

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