Action, Adventure, Movie

Movie: National Treasure

Posted by David McKenzie on

Statistical Breakdown:

  1. Box Office Performance:
    • Domestic Box Office: $173,005,002
    • International Box Office: $174,448,065
    • Worldwide Box Office: $347,453,067
  2. Critical Reception:

National Treasure is a really fun adventure film directed by Jon Turteltaub and starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Sean Bean, and Justin Bartha. The movie follows the story of Benjamin Franklin Gates (Cage), a historian and treasure hunter, as he embarks on a quest to find a hidden treasure that has been protected by the Knights Templar and the Freemasons for centuries.

From a statistical standpoint, National Treasure performed exceptionally well at the box office, both domestically and internationally. It grossed over $173 million domestically and over $174 million internationally, resulting in a worldwide box office total of over $347 million. This success is a testament to the film’s popularity among audiences, which can be attributed to its engaging storyline and high entertainment value.

However, when it comes to critical reception, the film received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a score of 44%, indicating a divided opinion among critics. Some praised the movie for its fast-paced adventure, thrilling moments, and Nicolas Cage’s charismatic performance, while others found it to be formulaic and lacking in substance.

The Metacritic score of 39 out of 100 further reflects the average reception from critics. It suggests that the film received generally negative reviews based on the aggregated scores. However, it’s worth noting that user reviews on IMDb were more positive, with an average rating of 6.9 out of 10.

National Treasure’s strengths lie in its enjoyable blend of history, mystery, and action. The treasure hunt storyline, with its historical clues and riddles, appeals to those who appreciate an adventure-filled narrative. Nicolas Cage’s performance as Benjamin Franklin Gates brings charisma and enthusiasm to the character, making him a relatable and entertaining protagonist.

On the downside, some critics found fault in the film’s predictability and lack of depth in character development. They argued that the plot was formulaic and relied heavily on convenient coincidences. Additionally, certain aspects of the historical accuracy were questioned, as the film takes creative liberties for the sake of entertainment.

National Treasure is an engaging adventure film that offers a thrilling treasure hunt experience. While it performed well at the box office and garnered a significant fanbase, critical reception was mixed. It’s a movie that can be enjoyed for its entertainment value, especially for fans of action-packed historical adventures, but it may not satisfy those seeking a deeper narrative or more nuanced characters.

Plot and Storyline (5/5)::

National Treasure presents an intriguing plot centered around Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian and treasure hunter. The story follows Gates’ quest to uncover a hidden treasure protected by the Knights Templar and the Freemasons. The film combines history, adventure, and mystery, as Gates and his team decipher clues and solve puzzles to unravel the secrets of the treasure’s location. The plot maintains a brisk pace, keeping viewers engaged throughout. However, the story’s predictability and reliance on convenient coincidences can be seen as drawbacks.

Acting and Characters (5/5)::

Nicolas Cage takes on the role of Benjamin Franklin Gates, infusing the character with a blend of charm, intelligence, and determination. Cage’s performance brings a sense of enthusiasm and charisma to the film. Diane Kruger portrays Abigail Chase, a museum curator who becomes entangled in Gates’ quest, providing a balance of intelligence and resourcefulness. Justin Bartha adds comedic relief as Riley Poole, Gates’ tech-savvy sidekick. The chemistry between the cast members enhances the overall viewing experience.

Production Design and Cinematography (4/5)::

The film boasts impressive production design, particularly in its portrayal of historical landmarks and hidden locations. The set pieces, including the National Archives, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell, are visually striking. The cinematography captures the grandeur of these settings and effectively highlights the film’s adventurous tone. The action sequences are well-shot, providing a sense of excitement and tension.

Score and Soundtrack (4/5)::

The film’s score, composed by Trevor Rabin, complements the on-screen action and enhances the overall atmosphere. It incorporates a mix of orchestral arrangements and contemporary elements, evoking a sense of adventure and intrigue. The soundtrack features a few notable songs that add to the film’s energy, but they are not as memorable as the score itself.

Historical Accuracy and Realism (3/5):

While National Treasure incorporates elements of history and utilizes real-life locations, it takes creative liberties to suit the film’s narrative. Some historical aspects are exaggerated or simplified for entertainment purposes, and the film prioritizes adventure over strict accuracy. This approach may disappoint viewers seeking a more authentic representation of historical events and figures.

Entertainment Value (5/5):

National Treasure is undeniably entertaining, delivering a thrilling adventure that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. The combination of action, mystery, and historical intrigue offers an enjoyable cinematic experience. The film’s pacing, engaging performances, and puzzle-solving aspects contribute to its overall entertainment value. It is a crowd-pleaser that caters to a wide audience, particularly those who appreciate lighthearted and fast-paced adventure films.

Cultural Impact (4/5):

National Treasure has left a lasting impact on popular culture, with its treasure hunting premise and iconic scenes becoming memorable references in pop culture discussions. The film has also inspired sequels, merchandise, and even a theme park attraction. It successfully taps into the public’s fascination with historical mysteries and enigmas

30/35: 85%

Hot, biased personal take: critics are dumb and got this one wrong. This movie is great.

National Treasure is a highly entertaining adventure film that combines history, action, and mystery to create an engaging cinematic experience. While the plot may be predictable at times and sacrifices historical accuracy for entertainment value, the film compensates with its charismatic performances, impressive production design, and an overall sense of fun. It has achieved a considerable cultural impact and remains a popular choice for fans of adventure films.

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