Big-Time Fun!

Rating: 10/10 (5 June 2010)

Film critics are good because they let us know which movies are good (like "Saving Private Ryan") and which are bad (like "Norbit"). However, sometimes they take the term "criticism" a little too much to heart. That's why many claim that critics only like weird art-house movies and trash everything Hollywood puts out. Granted, many of the former are good films that are worth seeing (and some Hollywood movies really are complete crap), but critics sometimes forget who their audience is. Most people who go to the movies just want to sit back, relax and be entertained.
No one understands this better than producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Bruckheimer is one of the must successful movie producers alive and whose films have raked in billions. None of his movies have had deep drama, but they all have what the average moviegoer wants: great action and an engaging story. "National Treasure" is no different.
Ben Gates (Nicholas Cage) is a man on a mission. He has been handed a clue that has been passed down through generations of his family, and is said to lead to treasure of untold value. But no one has been able to find it, and his family name has been met with ridicule because of it. Now, with the help of his friend Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) and a pretty historian named Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger), he's determined to get it. Trouble is, his former partner (and financier), Ian (Sean Bean) is on his trail, and unlike Ben, he's willing to kill to get the the treasure. Oh yeah, the FBI is after him too.
Yes, this is all completely silly and ridiculous, and the plot resembles a wall after a gunfight. But the plot holes are so well-camouflaged that you won't find them unless you're actively looking for them, and since the film is so fun and engaging, you won't want to.
Nicholas Cage is a terrific actor. He plays Ben in his usual off-the-wall manner, but he imbues the character with such earnestness that it's impossible not to root for him. Justin Bartha provides solid comic relief as Ben's sidekick, Riley, and Diane Kruger is not only beautiful, but also a talented actress; two welcome characteristics for the part of the historian who gets drawn into this treasure hunt. Sean Bean makes for a good villain, and Harvey Keitel is good as the FBI agent on their trail. Brief appearances by Jon Voight and Christopher Plummer are also on hand.
Jon Turtletaub keeps things moving at a relentless pace, and that increases the fun and the suspense. Things never slow down for long, and certainly not long enough to really catch your breath. What's surprising is that a movie with this much excitement is entirely suitable for the whole family; few movies can make that claim.
It's not great art, but it's not meant to be. This is a really fun movie to watch over and over again.