National Treasure

About This Movie

National Treasure has this fun vibe, a mix of action and adventure that really leans into the whole da Vinci Code treasure hunt thing, but with American history. Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates is pretty engaging, playing the earnest, slightly quirky archaeologist. The pacing keeps it moving, but it doesn’t rush through the historical clues, which is nice. Plus, the practical effects hold up fairly well—especially in the chase scenes. The chemistry between the cast, especially with Justin Bartha as Riley, adds a nice touch. It’s a film that’s more about the journey through the clues than just the treasure, and that’s what makes it distinctively entertaining.

Released on DVD: May 3, 2005 · Directed by Jon Turteltaub · Cinematography by Bojan Bazelli · Score by Trevor Rabin