“National Treasure was officially released in 2004. (same year The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie came out) It received mixed reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Regardless of divisive reactions, the movie made enough money at the box office. Three Years Later, a follow-up titled, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” came out. Plans for a third installment was scrapped in favor of a TV show, “Edge of History.” Unfortunately, it was cancelled after one season on Disney Plus. This is why we can’t have nice things. Anyway, Nicolas Cage’s most recent film, “Dream Scenario” premiered at the 2023 Torotoro International Film Festival” earning praise. It’ll be released to the public on November 10, 2023. Before Mr. Cage’s film comes out, I wanna share my thoughts on National Treasure. By the way, Disney turns 100.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this gem.
Rich & Poor Qualities
Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, (Doug from The Hangover Trilogy) Jon Voight, Sean Bean (one of my favorite actors) & Harvey Keitel all did a great job for their respective performances.
Jerry Bruckheimer produced the movie courtesy of his production company, Jerry Bruckheimer Films.
Jon Turteltaub (Cool Runnings, Phenomenon, The Meg) did a good job directing.
Husband and Wife duo, Cormac and Marianne Wibberley wrote the script. They’re known for “The 6th Day,” “G-Force” and that god-awful Tim Allen movie “The Shaggy Movie.”
Screenwriting duo Ted Elliot & Terry Rossio did uncredited rewrites making sure certain scenes are polished. They’re known for “The Mask of Zorro,” “Shrek,” and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.
Action Sequences are really good. My favorite part is the fragile staircase collapsing.
Cinematography didn’t succumb to Shaky Cam.
Practical Effects were heavily involved to stage action scenes.
Ben’s chemistry with his allies and father serves as the main highlight. His interactions with them moves the story further.
Ben’s line, “I’m gonna steal the Deceleration of Independence” became a meme.
Pacing didn’t take forever going from Point A to Point B.
Trevor Rabin (guitarist from Yes) orchestrated the soundtrack.
The Founding Fathers hid the treasure from the Knights Templar. The latter organization are villains in “Assassin’s Creed.” I would assume Ubisoft took notes to develop the game’s lore.
Humor has some funny moments that made me laugh. Way funnier than these stinkers from 2004.
- The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
- Seed of Chucky
- Chasing Liberty
- Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen
- Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
- New York Minute
- Raising Helen
- Garfield: The Movie
- Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2
- Raising Helen
- First Daughter
- Survivng Christmas
- Christmas with the Kranks
- Fat Albert
Ben’s fake surname is Mr. Brown. An in-joke to Harvey Keitel who played Mr. White in “Reservoir Dogs.” Quentin Tarantino played Mr. Brown. Speaking of which, “Kill Bill Vol. 2” came out the same year as National Treasure.
A romance with Ben & Abigail happened way too soon. In real life, it’ll take a few weeks or months for two people to get to know one another before a relationship is fully established. Disney’s notorious for this forced trope.
The Final Verdict: A-
Despite one nitpick, National Treasure is a really good movie. I don’t understand why some critics loathe it. I thought it was pretty decent. Ignore the haters, give this one a try. Don’t forget to check out Book of Secrets.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 