Disney movie, of course...........

Rating: 4/10 (1 January 2005)

I was shocked and quite disappointed after watching this movie. Having read other reviews that called it an action movie, I came to the conclusion that it would be an action movie. This movie is neither an action movie nor does it contain an ounce of suspense. The plot overly simplistic, characters undeveloped, and historically inaccurate. I understand it is a movie, but to introduce certain facets of American folklore (partly) and only mention that Benjamin Franklin was a Mason, nothing more, is quite pathetic. Honestly, the rumors surround the Masons (Freemasons) are more interesting than the story of a treasure map. My problem with the movie was the fact that Disney was evident from the start of the movie. The completely unnecessary love story which was not explored within the movie, only with a impulsive kiss and a scene with Gates and the Doctor together at the end. Certainly my main gripe is with the characters. The idea definitely has substance, although I kept thinking of Brown's "Angels and Demons" and "Da Vinvi Code", the latter almost in production (Hanks will be playing Langdon).
I will say it is a good movie for the PG audience, although it has been a while since a PG movie has gotten my attention. It is great for children to enjoy and a parent wrote that it was great not to be forced to cover their children's ears and eyes during the movie. I will only say (as a student in college and not a parent) that parents shouldn't be taking children to movies where that chance could occur. Of course that delves into other topics that is not appropriate here. But over all this movie ranks very VERY low on my long list of movies that I have watched. The only reason why I am even spending any time in writing this is because I was VERY disappointed by many critics citing this as a good movie because of the action (and I am a firm believer that action transcend blood and gore) and suspense. I understand there is subjectivity involved, but please, if you consider this movie "suspenseful" or "action packed" should as one of my professors have told me "check yourself before you wreck yourself" and others.