'Jack Of All Trades, Master Of None'

Rating: 9/10 (12 February 2005)

Last week I went to see National Treasure with 2 things on my mind. First, I was a Cage fanatic, I love his movies packed with unbelievable action and second, this movie was given thumbs down by practically all critics. After seeing the movie I can understand why the critics disliked the film.
All the incidents happens at such a tremendous pace that it is hard to believe that just 2 mere guys happen to steal the Declaration Of Independence which must surely be the most protected document existing on the face of this earth. Although the entire concept of the movie is excellent and it has a lot of historical references, (I dunno if they are incorrect, since I'm not a history prof). The plot of the movie is somewhat similar to 'The DaVinci Code'.
But the entire movie would be highly underestimated if you are judging by the fast pace of the movie. At the beginning young Gates finds out that his family holds a secret, a secret that leads to a treasure, a treasure so big and so huge that it is not for one person to handle. Then he gets the first clue to the treasure, and the next scene he is at some polar ice caps searching for a ship. I mean where do we know the clue is a ship.........
Also, the entire affair, if indeed there was an affair, between Cage and Kruger is extremely patchy, to say the least. Jon Voight is marvelous as Cage's father, he plays an unforgettable role. Also, Riley Cage's assistant adds comic relief to the movie. I must say that the director tried to create a classic but extremely patchy screenplay, plays down his attempt to create a 'Jack of all trades'. He wanted a mixture of all recent Cage movies in one. We can clearly see a touch of 'Gone In 60 Seconds', 'Con Air' and 'Windtalkers'.
Apart from these minute omissions of detailing, mainly to reduce the length of the movie, it is thoroughly enjoyable. If you are a Nicholas Cage fanatic, I'm sure you'd love this movie. As for others go and have a glimpse of it. Don't listen to the critics, it ain't that bad. And if you love watching movies about high priority steals, then also there is a scope of liking to your plate.
I give it a 9/10.