A Review by Phil Calabro
2004, Touchstone Pictures, Dir. Jon Turteltaub - Starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Christopher Plummer, David Fisher, Stewart Finlay-McLennan, Oleg Taktarov, Stephen A. Pope
It was Jerry Bruckheimer who said, "We are in the transportation business. We transport audiences from one place to another," and there's no better quotation to describe this film. In his usual fashion of big explosions, extensive and unimaginable plotlines, and cheap sexual tension, the legendary producer has struck another gem with 'National Treasure.' Understandably the critics would have a reason to complain about its utterly silly plot, but once the ball starts rolling, it's so much fun you'll completely surpass it. Although it's not supposed to be anything more than a popcorn movie, it has a genuine love for American history, which makes it a double-whammy for both the kids and the history buffs. I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the premises, and I enjoyed the action - National Treasure is one of Bruckheimer's recent bests.
Benjamin Franklin Gates (Cage) is the third generation of the Gates family (grandfather Plummer, and father Voight), who have been entrusted with a secret passed on through the years since the 1770s. The secret was that there is a code on the back of the Declaration of Independence, which told where a stash of ancient treasure had been buried. Still determined to fulfill the family prophecy, Ben travels out with accomplice Riley (Bartha) and Ian (Bean) where they uncover yet another clue. After a short row, Ian walks out on Ben and goes out to steal the Declaration of Independence to drive in the wealth. In hopes of stopping him, Ben and Riley go to Washington DC to tell the National Archive curator Abigail Chase (Kruger) that the historic piece will be stolen, but Chase takes it as a joke. With no apparent hope, Ben decides to steal the document himself. After (sort of) successfully doing so, he travels to each major metropolis with Riley and Abigail (who is joining them in order to stay away from officials) in hopes of finding more clues. But with Ian and dogged FBI agent Sadusky (Keitel) following them, they have to work quickly.
I'm rather indifferent with Cage's acting skills, because although he is a perfectly good actor, he only works when given the right movie. I can safely say that his role in "National Treasure" is not only enjoyable, but also very identifable. Unlike the macho-man persona of Indiana Jones, Ben Gates doesn't have a status-quo, but works along with the film. He's a treasure hunter, but not entirely omniscient of the puzzle. He's rather goofy and impatient, but the features add to his humorous side. This film has also proved to me that Diane Kruger is an incredibly underrated actress as well as the fact that she is undeniably beautiful. Although her character is extremely forced into the plotline, she seems to be enjoyed her role as the small romantic piece and intelligent historian. Justin Bartha manages to gain the most laughs from any recent sidekick role - one that -especially used in Jerry Bruckheimer films- are overused and help add the little bit of comedy to make the finished product multifarious. Jon Voight, recently in need of a job or a new agent, has a bit of soul as the cranky and unmotivated father figure of Ben. Trying to persuade to his son that the treasure is a bunch of hokey, he lightens several scenes with his cynical sense of humor. Sean Bean is effective, but not great, as the iniquitous villain Ian, a take-no-prisoners jerk who has the most abrupt and risky ways of getting to the treasure - almost an unworthy opponent for Gates. And Harvey Keitel mildly disappoints with his same-old sneaky agent routine who'll do everything to "catch those suckers".
The first problem most critics have had with the film is its similarity with the Da Vinci Code. Mind you, the writers probably took a few creative liberties in the screenplay, but that shouldn't spoil the entire product. In a whole, the plotline is incredibly clever - it never slows down the pace, keeping your sweat glands in gear the entire time. One of the best features of the film is that director Turteltaub decided on filming entirely on location, which makes it all more realistic. The film, although given a rating more edged for children, seems deliberately marketed for adults - with the same Bruckheimer material thrown in to give it that extra little kick
(but not overdoing like Kangaroo Jack, possibly his biggest critical flop - which I also enjoyed.) There will be the occasional plothole here and there, but the filming is so brisk you'd pass by them and not have to overanalyze during the boring parts.
National Treasure is a trove of excitement. It's flawed in its own way, but still reeks of classical cinematic goodness - you can smell the butter flavoring in its blood. But it's a movie that won't just wow you over, but give you an intriguing way to look at history. I'd never think I'd see the day where I'd come out smarter from a Jerry Bruckheimer film, but I guess I've been proved wrong.
