This Underrated Disney Movie Deserves Way Better Than Its Abysmal Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Film critics have a deep understanding of movies due to their professional role. They can recognize elements that make a movie exceptional and identify aspects that might hinder it. However, sometimes in our eagerness to critique, we may overlook the film’s unique entertainment value. While critical scores provide an assessment, they don’t fully represent the actual experience of watching a movie.

The movie “National Treasure” is an excellent illustration of a production that may not be flawless, but still warrants recognition for its overall merits, and it boasts numerous strengths. This film offers an exhilarating experience packed with a thrilling storyline and a remarkable performance by Nicolas Cage as the main character. However, “National Treasure” is often criticized by film analysts. Just how criticized is this movie? You’ve asked a good question. “National Treasure” has a Rotten Tomatoes critical approval rating of merely 46%, based on over 175 reviews.

Despite a Low Rotten Tomatoes Score, National Treasure Is a Feat of Escapist Entertainment

Some viewers found issues with the movie’s historical inconsistencies, claiming it was too similar to other works or implausible. These criticisms aren’t entirely without merit. For one, screenwriters Jim Kouf, Cormac Wibberley, and Marianne Wibberley take creative liberties with the script and make a few factual errors within the storyline. However, this film is about stealing the Declaration of Independence to reveal an invisible treasure map on its reverse. The movie is a bold blend of fiction and historical background, so it’s reasonable to expect some flexibility in interpretation.

To address allegations that National Treasure is unoriginal, it’s important to clarify that while it isn’t completely unique, it does draw inspiration heavily from the Indiana Jones films. However, considering our current era where remakes, reboots, and sequels are commonplace, finding wholly original ideas can be challenging due to the vast volume of existing content. Despite this, National Treasure manages to forge a distinct path that sets it apart enough from some of its sources to stand independently.

One could argue that opinions about the film being excessively unrealistic often boil down to individual tastes. Indeed, National Treasure is far from plausible. Yet, it’s meant to provide an escape from everyday life for its audience. In fact, it does a remarkable job of doing so. It whisks away those who are willing to let go of their skepticism into a world where nothing is as it appears. While this style might not be suitable for high art, there certainly is a niche for films like this one.

Even though some argue otherwise, there’s an inherent value in light-hearted entertainment like popcorn movies. These films offer a harmless and beneficial escape from our everyday lives. Though they might not possess the artistic finesse of more critically acclaimed works, they serve a vital purpose – allowing us to temporarily step away from our reality. Movies such as National Treasure provide this much-needed escape for enjoyment and relaxation.

After establishing the significance of films as an escape, let’s delve a little deeper into the aspects where this particular movie hits the mark, and we believe it does so quite effectively.

This movie, titled National Treasure, skillfully combines action motifs with a touch of historical mystique, offering audiences an exhilarating and unforeseeable journey. The film instills a feeling of curiosity as the central figures encounter one breathtaking enigma after another.

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that Nicolas Cage shines brilliantly in this production, offering a somewhat subdued portrayal that remains grounded more than not. My character, Benjamin Franklin Gates, embodies an endearing innocence reminiscent of childhood, which makes the outlandish themes feel less fantastical and more approachable. With unwavering belief, I bring a sense of conviction to my role that invites viewers to embrace the seemingly implausible events unfolding on screen.

In addition, the movie maintains an intense speed throughout, starting with quick-paced action and seldom slowing down. This strategic choice is beneficial in keeping viewers hooked. The writers, together with director Jon Turteltaub, seem aware that the plot can appear far-fetched at times. However, due to the continuous action, they leave little room for us to contemplate the plausibility of events.

If you’re having trouble remembering how absurd the story becomes, let us give you more background. The movie National Treasure centers around treasure hunter Benjamin Gates who constantly solves puzzles in his hunt for hidden riches. His adventures lead him to steal the Declaration of Independence to safeguard both the document and the treasure it indicates, from his ex-partner Ian (played by Sean Bean), a skeptical financier who doesn’t care much about the historical value of the prize at hand.

In summary, “National Treasure” is a humorous and engaging movie that, while not always perfectly accurate, offers an enjoyable viewing experience. Even though some might argue that escapist films are not high art, they still hold a valuable position within the realm of cinema. Given this, it’s hard to believe that the film only received a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

For anyone keen to escape into National Treasure, you can find the film streaming on Disney+.

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2025-07-09 20:12