MOVIE REVIEW: ‘National Treasure’ is no gem, but it’s OK
Never before has such a stupid film intrigued me the way “National Treasure” has. OK, maybe once before. “Crossroads” with Brittany Spears intrigued me, but I think that was in an entirely different manner.
“National Treasure” aims to be a modern “Indiana Jones” action-packed adventure film but lacks the authenticity. It’s likeness to Dan Brow’s novel, “The Da Vinci Code” gives you the sense that its production crew is doing nothing more than riding the coattails of the best selling book’s buzz.
“The Da Vinci Code” spellbinds readers with intricate ancient clues unraveling truths supposedly hidden by the Catholic Church. Likewise, “National Treasure” dabbles with the idea of a priceless treasure hidden from the world by the freemasons who left only riddles and clues as to its whereabouts.
These freemasons include signers of the Declaration of Independence and the clues just so happen to include the fruit of their labors. That’s right, the map to the treasure is on the back of the declaration.
In heist films, like “Mission Impossible,” and “Oceans Eleven,” the irrefutable, flawless thieves use the kind of gadgets and gizmos most NASA scientists wouldn’t know what to do with. The viewer buys into the act, however, because the computer hacking, wire-tapping bandits, with their slick black leather jumpsuits and pocketable pulley systems are so outrageously unfamiliar we can’t help but want to think their high-tech embarkments are do-able.
It’s on this level that the main characters steal the Declaration of Independence. Of course it isn’t possible but you believe that it could be after good old, always-half-smiling Nicholas Cage makes it happen.
Nicholas Cage is Ben Gates, a member of a treasure hunting family who’s great, great, great grandfather was bestowed a viable secret pertaining to the whereabouts of the freemasons treasure horde. Ben’s father, grandfather and great grandfather have all wasted years of their lives looking for the treasure in accordance with the family secret. But Ben believes he’s closer then they ever were. With the help of computer geek Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) and museum curator Abigal Chase, (Diane Kruger) Ben hastily links one clue to the next so to get to the treasure before fellow treasure hunter, Ian Howe (Sean Bean) and his loyal band of miscreant thugs do.
The film’s low points come through its smothering attempt to make you believe rather than yearn you to. It has a great zest of intensity but would come across smoother if it wasn’t so forced. The film’s sloppy generated intensity is emitted from its highly elaborate action sequences, rather than the curious need to know the next clue, which is far more natural.
These riddles, puzzles, clues and word games are so engaging and cleverly written they completely captivate without all the bells and whistles of hyped-up action and cliché thespian moments.
Because of its deterrents, “National Treasure” is nothing more than a chocolate shaped coin wrapped in gold colored tin: disappointingly worthless but without a doubt, quite delicious.
Jack’s Weekly DVD Recommendation:
“Lone Star State of Mind”
In conjunction with the theme of watching film for its pure entertainment value, I recommend this outrageously contagious, sidesplitting comedy. Like the local favorite “Napoleon Dynamite,” “Lone Star” introduces daft characters worth rooting for.
Jack Saunders is a movie reviewer for the Utah Statesman. He is a junior majoring in print journalism. Comments, or movies to review may be sent to jrsaunders@cc.usu.edu.