| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Nicolas Cage | ... | Benjamin Franklin Gates | |
| Diane Kruger | ... | Abigail Chase | |
| Justin Bartha | ... | Riley Poole | |
| Sean Bean | ... | Ian Howe | |
| Jon Voight | ... | Patrick Gates | |
| Harvey Keitel | ... | Sadusky | |
| Christopher Plummer | ... | John Adams Gates | |
| David Dayan Fisher | ... | Shaw | |
| Stewart Finlay-McLennan | ... | Powell | |
| Oleg Taktarov | ... | Shippen | |
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Stephen A. Pope | ... | Phil (as Stephen Pope) |
| Annie Parisse | ... | Agent Dawes | |
| Mark Pellegrino | ... | Agent Johnson | |
| Armando Riesco | ... | Agent Hendricks | |
| Erik King | ... | Agent Colfax | |
Benjamin Franklin Gates, a pedigree of the treasure hunter family who learns about a national treasure from his grandfather. The treasure is stashed somewhere in the country and the clue leading to the treasure chest is cyphered and scattered all over the country. Benjamin's father abhors treasure hunting, as he himself lost 20 years in chasing the treasure without success. Plot takes a twist when Ben's accomplice Ian decides to steal 'Declaration of Independence' for the next clue. Ben refuses to Ian's plan and they become hostile. When Ben tips FBI about the possible theft, they refused to believe him. Ben determines to steal the 'Declaration of Independence' in order to protect it from Ian. Ben meets 'Abigail Chase' the curator of the archives when he steals the document. Rest of the story is about how Ben, his partner Riley and Abigail decrypts the clues and rescues the national treasure without getting to the hands of Ian.
"National Treasure" is a thriller that was obviously targeted for young audiences. John Turtletaub, its director, has created a film that will resonate with those audiences because of the great ride and the adventure it depicts. On the other hand, heaven help us, should anyone feel inspired to emulate the hero of the film and attempts to do something similar, which in a way, doesn't say much about the security in guarding the real "natural treasures" of the country.
If we can believe Ben Gates can pull the caper, then there's no problem in enjoying this film, which offers an action packed couple of hours that could have been trimmed a little bit to make it even better.
Not being a Nicolas Cage fan, one was prepared for the worst, but this is one of the films in which Mr. Cage is at his mellowest intensity and it's easy to tolerate his antics. Diane Kreuger is a beautiful addition to the film that pays well. Justin Bartha does what he can being a computer nerd and pulling fantastic stuff to help his friend. Sean Bean, Christopher Plummer and Jon Voight, are seen in supporting roles.
This is a film that will play well with young minds and with adults that will allow for the silliness of the situation at hand.