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DVD National Treasure (Widescreen Edition)
Like a Hardy Boys mystery on steroids, National Treasure offers popcorn thrills and enough boyish charm to overcome its rampant silliness. Although it was roundly criticized as a poor man's rip-off of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Da Vinci Code, it's entertaining on its own ludicrous terms, and Nicolas Cage proves once again that one actor's infectious enthusiasm can compensate for a multitude of movie sins. The contrived plot involves Cage's present-day quest for the ancient treasure of the Knights Templar, kept secret through the ages by Freemasons past and present. Finding the treasure requires the theft of the Declaration of Independence (there are crucial treasure clues on the back, of course!), so you can add "caper comedy" to this Jerry Bruckheimer production's multi-genre appeal. Nobody will ever accuse director Jon Turtletaub of artistic ambition, but you've got to admit he serves up an enjoyable dose of PG-rated entertainment, full of musty clues, skeletons, deep tunnels, and harmless adventure in the old-school tradition. It's a load of hokum, but it's fun hokum, and that makes all the difference. --Jeff Shannon
Review(s): DVD National Treasure (Widescreen Edition)
Modern "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in America
If you can imagine a "Raiders of the Lost Ark"-type story taking place in modern America, you'd have a fairly good idea of what "National Treasure" is like. Nicolas Cage plays the Indiana Jones-type character, accompanied by his partner Justin Bartha and romantic interest Diane Kruger, the latter an historical document scholar who gets dragged into the crazy happenings.
THE STORY: Cage feels he has no choice but to audaciously steal the Declaration of Independence to save it from his nemesis Sean Bean. The document has an invisible clue on its flip side, which supposedly leads to a vast, coveted 'national treasure.' Can Cage successfully swipe the document, elude the Feds, and ultimately find the ancient fortune before his murderous, greedy rival? And can he simultaneously "get the girl" as well?
"National Treasure" put a big grin on my face throughout its entire 2-hour run time. Like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" you're not supposed to dwell too deeply on the events because, if you do, the implausibilities will start to mount up. Still, even though this was made to be a fun, eminently entertaining ride, it still somehow stimulates ruminations and interest in American history. Not a bad by-product, no?
A handful of miscellaneous items:
Diane Kruger, who played 'the face that launched a thousand ships' in "Troy," is super sharp and all-around pleasant on the eyes.
The score is ultra-modern with thrilling orchestrations intermingled with HEAVY progressive guitar riffs. It was composed by, believe it or not, Yes' guitarist/songwriter Trevor Rabin. Like "Conan the Barbarian," "Last of the Mohicans" and "Where Eagles Dare," this is a soundtrack worth owning; it's that superlative.
The protagonists are all supremely likable; heck, even the head Fed, played by Harvey Keitel, is likable.
The chases are thrilling.
The film was shot on location in Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York City.
Jon Voight plays Cage's father.
Like "Raiders" this is a family-friendly experience -- upbeat with no needless cussing, sex or gore.
CLOSING THOUGHT: Despite the fact that Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper gave it 'thumbs down' -- Roeper even calling it 'Howling, howling BAD' -- "National Treasure" was a huge 2004 hit with audiences. This proves that critics like Ebert and (especially) Roeper see WAY, WAY too many movies. Heck, they can't even lighten-up and enjoy a truly thrilling, historically-stimulating popcorn flick. Implausible? Yes (at times, anyway). Bad? No.
Make no mistake, "National Treasure" is a quasi-believable adventure film of the highest order. A sequel is coming in late 2007.
Solid entertainment
I just finished watching this movie. I enjoyed it very much. It has everything I want in a movie: clean fun, adventure, humor, romance and a happy ending. I totally agree with other reviewers who thought the critcs are idiots. It seems that if a movie doesn't show gruesome violence, deviant livestyles, foul language, or disturbing behaviors, then it's not a good movie in their views. Pay them no attention. Enjoy this wonderful movie.
Good movie
I thought this movie was pretty good. I've seen a lot of Nicholas Cage movies (8mm, The Rock, Con Air, etc) so maybe I am biased towards him.
I've watched this movie 3 times and it doesn't wear thin too quick like some movies.
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