National Treasure (2004)

2.5 out of 4

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Jon Voigt, Harvey Keitel

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Time: 131 mins

Viewed: Mega Movies at Brunswick Square, East Brunswick, New Jersey

Jerry Bruckheimer-produced adventure yarn stars Cage as a treasure-hunter whose forefathers hold the secret to a treasure hidden by the Founding Fathers of America, a secret that points to the original Declaration of Independence in Washington D.C. He then proceeds to steal the document to prevent a rival (Bean) from doing so for monetary gain. What a concept! Cross between Dan Brown's Robert Langdon novels (The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons) and Indiana Jones is entertaining enough, with frequent motion, but rarely generates any excitement.

(c) Joe Wong (2 December 2004)