Judging from the trailers, I had a feeling going in that Disney’s “National Treasure” was going to be an implausible action adventure that would require a fair amount of belief suspension. I’m happy to say that I was not only completely on the mark, but the film fully exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed the heck out of it. The main premise of the film surrounds Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage), and adventurer and archeologist, whose family search for a legendary national treasure goes back generations. Most of the Gates family has been regarded as the Black Sheep of the historical societies because of their belief that this treasure exists. Ben has taken it upon himself to prove the existence of the treasure and win back the notoriety he believes his family so richly deserves. His hurdles include the fact that most of the clues to the whereabouts to the treasure are inscribed in national artifacts, such as the Declaration of Independence… so getting to the clues is rather difficult.

The other is an unscrupulous character by the name of Howe (Sean Bean) who wants the treasure for himself and will stop at nothing to get it.

Being that the film was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (who is behind almost every Michael Bay film and most recently, “The Pirates of the Caribbean”), I wasn’t surprised that everything about it would be big. Big explosions and big chases all tied together by a flimsy plot. However, flimsy plot notwithstanding, “National Treasure” is an exceedingly fun movie to watch.

Nicolas Cage, who just somehow seems to be able to adapt himself to fit any type of character, does a great job as Gates. And, of course any time you add Sean Bean to the mix, you know the movie is going to be good. Bean is one of those actors that too many people don’t seem to recognize, by name anyway. Fortunately, his performance as Boromir in “The Fellowship of the Ring” may have finally done something about that. I had been a fan of his work for some time, but I really started paying attention after his villainous turn as James Bond’s friend-turned-nemesis in “Goldeneye. But those who want to catch some of his earlier work should look into the “Sharpe Series”, which is a series of 14 films that take place in during the Napoleonic Wars. They are currently available on DVD and I’ve been really getting into them. Bean is a really terrific actor who always elevates any production he’s attached to.

I certainly wouldn’t want to sell any of the supporting actors short either. Justin Bartha, who co-stars as Gates’ apprentice Riley is excellent as the wisecracking sidekick. He steals quite a few of the scenes he’s in. I’d certainly also like to mention the lovely Diane Kruger, who plays Abigail Chase. I had previously seen her work in the overrated “Troy” and was initially quite unimpressed. But here, as the curator in charge of the Declaration of Independence who is unwillingly brought along for the ride, she shows a lot more range and adds a lot to the film.

The DVD from Disney holds a lot of little surprises considering it is only a single disc release. There is a featurette on the making of the film, which only runs a little over ten minutes, but has quite a bit to offer. You’ll also find a couple of deleted scenes, as well as an animatic of an unused opening sequence. There is also a short alternate ending, but admittedly, I like the ending the filmmakers ultimately went with.

The next part of the disc is kinda cool if you like puzzles. Since the movie itself is full of riddles and puzzles, we are given the opportunity to solve some ourselves in order to access some additional bonus features. As you watch the other featurettes, you are given clues to how to access these bonuses. Amongst them are a look at some real treasure hunters, a piece on the Knights Templar (who are featured in the film), some more puzzle challenges and a Verizon Ad.

I highly recommend “National Treasure”, because while it may not offer you a deep emotional experience, it does deliver one heck of a great ride.

Directed By: John Turteltaub
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Sean Bean, Justin Bartha, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel
Extras: Deleted Scenes and Alternate Ending with optional director commentary, Opening Scene Animatic with optional director commentary, National Treasure On Location", "The Knights Templar" featurette, "Treasure Hunters Revealed" - Meet real life modern day treasure hunters, Riley Poole's Decode This!" - an interactive puzzle solving feature
Specifications: Widescreen
Studio: Walt Disney Home Video
Release Date: 5/3/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG (For Action Violence and Scary Images)
Website

We'll give an National Treasure a B.