MovieChat Forums > National Treasure (2004) Discussion > Not aged well?!

Not aged well?!

posted 3 years ago by trifix (4)
7 replies | jump to latest

I loved this movie when it came out. Loved the treasure hunting and had a little crush on Abigail.

Just finished watching it on Disney+ and MY GOD it hasn't aged well. At all!

The acting is horrible. From everyone. Cage is just doing his thing. Kruger is the pretty girl and we have a nerdy sidekick.

What strikes me the most is how Cage just do what ever he wants with the girl. She's a woman of some sort of power but the minute she's in on the hunt she just becomes the pretty girl. The kiss in the tunnel near the end is sooooo awkwardly placed and she looks more terrified than anything else. Because let's be honest, they had absolutely no chemistry...

[–] strntz (12255) 3 years ago

Well, gotta disagree. Still love it.

[–] PrimeMinisterX (8711) 3 years ago

It's a fantastic film. I almost have to wonder if this is a troll thread.

I see the thread starter was gone after three posts.

[–] rnmboon (407) 3 years ago

It is not a classic but with all its flaws I still find it fun. In the genre of historical adventure movies there are numerous films that are way worse that I still find entertaining.

[–] davebuffalo (3457) 3 years ago

I do agree there was no chemistry, but it's still a fun movie.

As for the "no chemistry" part, he's this big goon and she's this young little hottie.. like Fred Flintstone and Wilma. (Part of the lack of chemistry could be his being 12 years older). I know many marriages well exceed that delta, but just sayin'.

[–] Wuchak (8737) 3 years ago

I think "National Treasure" is iconic of mid-2000s' cinema -- an entertaining quasi-believable adventure flick in the mold of Indiana Jones albeit transplanted to modern America. It's got the mojo and was naturally a hit in late 2004.

Diane Kruger, who played 'the face that launched a thousand ships' in 2004's "Troy," is sharp and all-around pleasant on the eyes. The score is modern with thrilling orchestrations intermingled with HEAVY progressive guitar riffs. It was composed by Yes' guitarist/songwriter Trevor Rabin. Like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" it's a family-friendly experience -- upbeat with no needless cussing, sex or gore. The movie leaves you with a good feeling.

[–] Sidha108 (2676) 3 years ago

The best part about it is it got young people interested in US History and The Freemasons.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

I just watched it on Disney+ and I disagree. Still an enjoyable movie.

Sure, Nicholas Cage overacts a little (its what he's known for), but the plot, and the witty dialogue (with a few implausible overreaches) keeps you entertained. I personally think Diane Kruger's attractiveness sure make up for the flaws of the movie. Only thing that made me roll my yes, was how obvious it was, from the beginning, that Benjamin Gates and Abigail were going to wind up together at the end of the movie - too much on the nose.