NATIONAL TREASURE

Plot Summary

Inspired by his grandfather's stories, adventurer, Ben Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) is searching for the legendary lost treasure of the Templar Knights. After solving the latest clue he believes that the Declaration of Independence holds the final clues to the secret location of the treasure. Ben isn't the only one looking for the treasure, others, more ruthless and dangerous are also on this treasure hunt. Ben must work quickly to stay one step ahead and solve the clues before they do...

Review

National Treasure is an entertaining adventure movie along the lines of the Indiana Jones movies, although it has to be said that National Treasure doesn't have the same exciting action, stunt and thrills. It's a straightforward adventure that won't challenge the mind and there are numerous clichés that have to be overlooked. However there is enough action and story to keep audiences interested and entertained. To find all the clues the treasure hunters must, amongst other things, make an expedition to the Arctic. They also have to steal the original Declaration of Independence in Washington. It's not easy to steal the most important and protected document in American history! The story moves along at a good steady pace, it doesn't linger on the details although this can make some parts more than a little improbable!

Throughout the movie there is plenty of comedy. Not only do the characters find themselves in some awkward predicaments but they also come out with loads of timely quips to raise a laugh.

There are plenty of big names amongst the cast. Nicolas Cage plays the main character, Ben Gates. He plays the part well but I prefer to see him play more quirky characters like Frank in Matchstick Men. Ben's computer-nerd-sidekick, Riley Poole, is played by Justin Bartha and he gets the opportunity to add a lot of humour to the movie. Diane Kruger plays Dr. Abigail Chase who unwittingly gets caught up in the treasure hunt when the Declaration of Independence is stolen.

Sean Bean plays Ian Howe who is also after the treasure. He is ruthless and will stop at nothing to stop Ben from getting it first. The character is a bit clichéd and Sean Bean is becoming stereotyped as the "baddy".

Other big names include Harvey Keitel as Agent Sadusky who is investigating the theft of the Declaration, Jon Voigh who plays Ben's father, Patrick Henry Gates, and Christopher Plummer who plays Ben's grandfather.

The Bottom Line: Good entertaining adventure yarn, similar to that of the Indiana Jones movies but not as good. A good movie to watch with the kids and it will probably appeal most to the 9 to 15 age group. If you enjoy National Treasure you might also enjoy Lara Croft: Tomb Raider or Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life.

Previewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2004.

RELATED MOVIE REVIEWS: NICOLAS CAGE: Adaptation,  Captain Corelli's Mandolin,  The Family Man,  Gone in 60 Seconds, Matchstick Men.  DIANE KRUGER: Troy,  Wicker Park.  HARVEY KEITEL:  Red Dragon.  JON VOIGHT:  Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,  Pearl Harbor,  The Manchurian Candidate.  SEAN BEAN:  Don't Say A Word,  The Lord Of The Rings - The Fellowship Of The Ring,  Troy.  CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER: A Beautiful Mind,  Cold Creek Manor.

Genre: Adventure/Action

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Certificate: National Treasure is rated PG by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie). The film contains mild violence.

Official Movie Website: National Treasure

~ Main Cast ~

Nicolas Cage

Diane Kruger

Sean Bean

Justin Bartha

Harvey Keitel

Jon Voight

Christopher Plummer

RATING

WORTH A WATCH