• After winning an Oscar for The Queen, Helen Mirren wanted a tougher challenge. So the actress, 62, did her own stunts in the action sequel National Treasure: Book of Secrets, out Dec. 21. Playing Nicolas Cage's mom, "I get half-drowned, jump across an abyss and fly," she says. "I loved every minute of it." Especially going airborne: "Getting attached to wires and flying was the most glorious feeling. It's a lot easier than acting!"