Disney once again proves that an action adventure film can be fun and exciting without a lot of vulgar language, violence, and sex. National Treasure is one of these movies. It is the latest Nicolas Cage film, directed by John Turtletaub. Cage is Ben Gates, a treasure hunter and lover of history who is chasing after a grand treasure rumored to exist through a family story. This treasure is one that has passed hands many times and ended up being protected by the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. A small group of the Founding Fathers created clues to the whereabouts of the treasure. Unfortunately, at a certain time they were unable to pass those clues down to President Jackson and so the legend was passed onto Ben’s great, great grandpa and kept alive in his family. The story of the treasure remains with Ben his whole life as he seeks it out the treasure. At one time his father, played by Jon Voight, believed in the treasure but has ultimately given up, seeing it as a never ending journey to disappointment. Ben brings along on his adventures a computer whiz, Riley Poole, who also serves as comic relief throughout the movie. Ben’s financier is Ian Howe, Sean Bean from Lord of the Rings fame, who wants the treasure for financial purposes and not historical. Once a specific clue is found that points to an invisible map on the back of the Declaration of Independence, he tries to get rid of Ben. Ian wants to steal the Declaration to find the map and so Ben must steal it before Ian can to protect the document and the map. In the process of doing so, Ben meets Abigail Chase, the curator of the museum, and she ends up becoming a part of the adventure. National Treasure is an entertaining ride where each clue and puzzle solved brings the viewer to a new one. Although, the historical accuracy of the events mentioned are questionable and much coincidence can be found as they solve the puzzles. Ben talks out the clues for a few seconds and then figures out the puzzle rather quickly. He just happens to have the right tools to solve the clue at that time. (Who really does have a large bowl full of lemons in their fridge?). Those grievances are not what this movie is about though. It is about an enjoyable time in the theater. Again there is nothing offensive in this movie. Not one vulgar word, violent scene or sex scene. Also, some great lessons are taught throughout the film. I especially like how Ben seeks out his dream. He seeks a quest since childhood and continues to seek after that dream even after many setbacks and when the clues appear to never end. Another important lesson comes from the relationship between Ben and his father. They had a falling out over the treasure, but they come together and learn to love each other and support each other again. A few speeches throughout the movie remind us how great a nation America is. The bottom line to this movie is that it is a fun-filled action adventure film that is good and clean. Both parents and children can attend and not be bored. It is a train ride from clue to clue with a few twists and turns to keep things exciting. One note--as fun as the treasure hunt is, the historical background elements that are woven in aren't exactly accurate. So look for a fun movie but not a lesson in American history...
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