National Treasure

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By Todd Karella
November 19, 2004

Original Story Synopsis:

Movie-Pix Best Guess:

Benjamin Franklin Gates has been looking a long time for a hidden treasure that nobody else believes in.

A fortune has been amassed from across the world and was hidden by America's founding fathers.

Looking for clues in historical monuments, documents, and even the U.S. currency he hunts for the treasure trying to stay ahead of both the FBI and his biggest adversary.

A modern day Indianna Jones immitation.

While the concept is interesting, Nicholas Cage does not fit the title role. Filled with lots of action it appears to be entertaining enough to see on the big screen.

~An unexpected reward~

Rated PG

With a plot that looked like a cross between Indiana Jones and the Da Vinci code, starring the ever bland actor Nicolas Cage in the title role, this film looked destined for the bargain-basement bin in the local video store.
So you can imagine how shocked I was to find a fun and entertaining movie instead. It's a rare event when I don't have at least a half dozen nitpicks, and that's for movies I like.
There are a few tiny issues that are more amusing than anything that impacts the enjoyment in any meaningful way.

Benjamin Franklin Gates (Cage) was born into a family of treasure hunters, but they aren’t just hunting any treasure. They’re hunting the world’s biggest treasure.
   Over many years and through many wars a giant horde of gold and priceless artifacts was being created and protected by the Knights Templar..
   When America’s forefathers stumbled upon this ancient treasure, they decided it was too great for one country to have, so they decided to hide it.
   Being free masons, they left clues as to the treasures’ whereabouts hidden in some of the country’s most sacred artifacts.

The clue to the hiding place was given to one of Ben’s ancestors by Charles Carroll, the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the Gates family has been searching ever since.
Ben’s own father has given up as he has seen how the hunt for the elusive

treasure has caused nothing but heartbreak for his family.
   But his son has not had the same disappointment as the father and with the help of his new financial backer, Ian (Sean Bean), he has found the first clue in a boat named Charlotte.
   Upon searching the frozen craft in the Arctic, Ben discovers another clue leading to an invisible map on the back of the Declaration of Independence.
   While he may be willing to search the world over for the elusive prize, he draws the line at desecrating

such a historical document.
   Ian does not agree with his sentiments, and decides to hire his own crew to steal it.
   When Ben protests he and his friend Riley (Justin Bartha), find themselves left for dead in the hull of the ship.
   After the two are rescued they head off to stop Ian. Unfortunately, the FBI and every government agency they can find won’t help them.
   They even try the National Archives where they meet Abigail (Diane Kruger), and she doesn’t believe them either.

With all of their avenues closed, Ben decides to do what’s required of a true patriot. He’s going to steal the Declaration before Ian does.
When America’s forefathers went up against the British they were breaking the law to do what was right, so Ben believes it’s his duty to do the same.
Ian's men end up catching Ben in the act and start the chase, with Abigail caught up as an unwilling participant.

Ben and his friends end up taking a journey through the nations most famous sites as they try to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
It’s refreshing to see a film that can be fun and exciting without a lot of over-the-top special effects.
It is filled with nonstop action, but action that is completely believable.

Best Guess Results:

Much to our suprise, this is one of the best films released this year.

While not the most sophisticated movie, it is pure fun and enjoyment from beginning to end. A recommended must see.

Movie-Pix Hit or Miss

Not once does the audience need to suspend disbelief during the many exciting scenes or physical stunts that occur.
While this film may not be another Indiana Jones, you’d be hard pressed to find anything that’s this much fun.

Is that a bazooka or are you just happy to see me?

When good waiters go bad

Now where did they hide that monument??

I bet I can spit on him from here

How did we end up here?

Who knew it was that heavy?