An okay movie, a terrible film

Rating: 5/10 (22 November 2004)

Like practically all movies with Jerry Bruckheimer behind them, this movie is long on action, improbable chases, romance that's really not all that well defined or explained, and totally bizarre plots. The real joys in this movie are the set design ***SPOILER WARNING*** such as the vault beneath the church where the treasure is kept, and the acting of Justin Bartha as Riley.
His one liners, especially when he says "Why can't they just put "Treasure located here, spend it wisely?"" are a great counterpoint to the seriousness with which the other characters take this bizarre plot. My least favorite assertion by critics, though, is the idea that the whole plot HAD to be lifted from The DaVinci Code, as if Dan Brown invented A) riddles or B) wild goose chases with fabulous endings. Nevertheless, it's worth your money and time because it's a pretty good adventure flick with, surprisingly, no murders or sex involved (i.e. family friendly.)
Entertainment score: 7/10 Film score: 2/10 (one for the sets, one for Bartha)