Cleverly Entertaining

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 2016)

National Treasure (2004) starring Nicolas Cage, is one of his biggest films to date. Released back in November 2004, the film was considered a surprise hit, which eventually lead its way to a sequel. The enjoyment of this film isn't in its suspense, there's surprisingly little of it. The clues come too easily but are made cleverly for audiences to grasp at. The two lead actors don't seem much interested in each other, and the writers don't seem much interested in them. Though what engages in the film is the clever script that does work and is entertaining. National Treasure has received mixed reviews, all some are justified but for a film such as this (aimed towards a younger audience) many critics can be as harsh.
Within what we see, including the prized document, the fascinating tours of the historical halls and passageways and ventilation shafts and catacombs we get as the good guys try to outrun the bad, gives the movie a sometimes irresistible ambiance. Although quite over the top in some scenes, it makes it an entertaining and fun thrill ride.