Advantages: Mindless fun
Disadvantages: Poor story, indifferent acting, poor characters

...This film was never at the top of my list of films to see over the Christmas period but one dreary afternoon we decided to go to the cinema and this looked like it might be the best of a bad bunch. I had heard a bit about it and seen an interview with Nicholas Cage, and felt like it might be quite a cool film. There seemed to be some comparisons made between National Treasure and Indiana Jones but Cage had been quick to play these down. I don’t think it ever helps a new film like this to be compared to something that has been so successful. ** Background ** National Treasure is an action adventure film based around a mystical treasure that some people believe may actually exist. The film has taken the mystery that surrounds this tale and turned it into something that a wide range of people will be able to watch and enjoy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great original soundtrack
Disadvantages: Can become boring if listened to too much

.... Tracks 1. National Treasure Suite If you have seen the film then this is probably the most recognisable track. Quite lively and a very catchy tune that you will have to hum along to. 2. Ben This track tells the tale of how Ben finds the ship he has been searching for for ages (a step towards the treasure) and gives a real sense of triumph. 3. Finding Charlotte This is when Ben actually finds the ship - similar to Ben. At 1:05, this is the shortest track on the CD 4. Library of Congress An interesting track with the main tune repeated many times throughout the film. Not the best track but a great reminder of the film. 5. Preparation Montague This track is great. I really enjoyed listening to this one - lots of action in it and again, great reminder of the film. 6. Arrival at National Archives Similar to Preparation... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Nicholas Cage is great, yet again!
Disadvantages: They had to put the soppy love story in!

...I watched this film expecting it to be a tomb raider rip-off from what i saw in the trailer. But, i was pleasantly surprised. A great, well-thought out storyline (as in there is a lot of detail in it) and good action sequences. The only bad points were, it was a little predictable in parts! As well as a little unbelievable. ---- THE STORY The film starts off with a scene between young cage and his dad talking about this 'great treasure' that has been gathered for thousands of years and guarded by the freemasons. It has a few flashbacks to the past showing the treasure and fighting, etc. The treasure is enormous, from what it unbelievably shows, it could probably fill up the whole of central london! Anyways, this treasure was taken (obviously!) to america, where it was hidden. The exact place was lost, as people forgot about it... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Solid acting, fun storyline, interesting ideas, fast-paced action
Disadvantages: Very silly and unbelievable in places

...National Treasure (2004) - FILM ONLY REVIEW Certificate: PG (UK) / PG (USA) / PG (Ireland) Run time: 131 minutes Director: Jon Turteltaub Main cast: Ben Gates - Nicholas Cage Abigail Chase - Diane Kruger Riley Poole - Justin Bartha Ian Howe - Sean Bean Patrick Gates - Jon Voight Special Agent Sadusky - Harvey Keitel As someone with an interest in history and archaeology, it is perhaps not surprising that I enjoyed the cheerfully silly Disney action adventure "National Treasure". Something of a sleeper hit when it was first released, this film was generally enjoyed by audiences but widely slated by critics; hardly surprising given that this is more family entertainment than Oscar contender, and the plot can get about as unbelievable as it is possible for any film to get in certain places. "National Treasure" is an old... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Action packed adventure
Disadvantages: Far fetched story, inplausible clue cracking

...Everyone dreams of finding treasure some time in their life; the anticipation, the adventure, notoriety and boundless wealth. This common dream has inspired films for centuries including Treasure Island, Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, to name but a few. National Treasure, released in the UK in December 2004, is the latest to hit the big screen. National Treasure is set for the main in modern-day Washington DC. The script was put together by no less than nine witers.including Jim Kouf, Oren Aviv and Cormac & Marianne Wibberley. Of course, there has to be a somewhat feasible story behind the existence of the treasure. The main character, Benjamin Franklin Gates played by Nicholas Cage, is the great grandson of a coachman to one of the Founding Fathers. He discovers the existence of a treasure. The treasure is the fabled ancient... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Very Fun, Exciting, Based Loosely On Historical Fact
Disadvantages: Extremely Silly

...enemy, the self absorbed Ian Howe does? National Treasure got some fairly dire reviews when it hit the cinema and I can see why, it isn't particularly clever and the various plot twists are wholly unoriginal, but I tell you something it is one hell of a fun ride from start to finish. The action is intense and always exciting and the numerous clues are complex enough to keep the audience guessing without being isolated if they don't have a vast knowledge of history (sadly, like me!) I also learnt a few things watching it, which is always a good thing. I am not personally a massive fan of Nicholas Cage, but he slipped into the well worn boots of past action heroes well adding a fairly fresh take of the unbeatable explorer with his dry sarcasm and easy charm. Physically I had a hard time with him, he just isn't the kind of guy I would... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A good, enjoyable script, with an excellent cast and decent direction. Good choice for all the family or just a friday night in
Disadvantages: Justin Bartha will either annoy you or seem like the loveable fool