National Treasure

The first half is unexpectedly great (if you immediately accept the B-movie nature of the story), but the second half is stretched more than the legs of a Thai hooker, degrading a relatively entertaining mystery into stupid family sci-fi. How someone like Harvey Keitel could appear in this screenwriting mess is a mystery to me, one that even the hard-working Nick Cage can't solve… (27/05/2012)

Easygoing entertainment, essentially without violence, specifically without bloodshed and without dying, which I quite like. It's interesting in that way. Considering that I enjoy various mysteries and particularly the principle of treasure hunters, this resonates with me quite well, even though the celebration of America is basically everywhere here. But this can be watched pretty much anytime and usually doesn't offend. (19/02/2014)

Overall, an average action-adventure popcorn flick. From Jerry Bruckheimer, I would expect a bigger action bomb. National Treasure is, in fact, a film that is average in almost all aspects. The story itself is couldn’t be more cliché, but it’s more or less saved by good action moments. (17/02/2005)

Mediocre humdrum on all fronts starting with the screenplay (which badly and lamely borrows from the already obtuse DaVinci Code), through the actors, all the way to the music and directing. There isn’t even one original idea here, but even so it is pleasant to watch. However, as soon as the final credits begin, you have no idea what it was about. It leaves no lasting impression. It simply disappears into thin air. (05/02/2005)

It's a shame to have to write words on this topic. National Treasure is a film so phenomenally mediocre and cold that I can scarce believe it was a commercial success. Yes, the American monuments are fine, the action scenes are civil, the Masons and Templars are an interesting subject... but in Turteltaub's style, it all feels too soulless. In addition, all the acting stars are out like a fire in the fireplace around 4:00 a.m. Considering the possibilities this creator had, there is no choice but to rate the result with a below-average grade and discourage all those who like the quality sound of Indy's whip from watching this film. (07/02/2005)