"Surprise Hit Embarrasses Out-of-Touch Movie Elite" (Medved praises "National Treasure")

jwr ^ | Nov 24 04 | Michael Medved

[churchillbuff]

National Treasure," a surprise box office hit from Hollywood, demonstrates once again the embarrassing gap between cultural elite and the general public.

This splendid adventure movie starring Nicholas Cage drew overwhelmingly negative reviews, and leading critics even predicted its commercial failure. Ordinary moviegoers, however, have expressed gratitude for the film — a clever romp with a patriotic heart and a family friendly "PG-rating," spinning an enjoyable yarn about a treasure map left by the founding fathers on the back of the Declaration of Independence. ...

[beaversmom]

Did you end up seeing it?

[churchillbuff]

Saw it tonight. My wife and I enjoyed it. I could see a Disneyland ride spinning off from some of those tunnel scenes - like the Raiders of Ark ride, or whatever it's called, that they've already got at Disneyland.

[ChicagoRighty]

I took my 6 year-old with some trepidation. But I must say we had the best time. He was riveted by the clue-chasing that went on and the references to our nation's history and currency.

There was no language that would even come close to making a parent cringe and what violence they portrayed was light and no shooting or blood that I can recall.

The fact that the critics got it wrong before the film was released was a bonus.

[Revelation 911]

I dont recall any objectionable language - it was an adventure - fun - interesting - something the whole family could see

[AzSteven]

Definitely a fun movie - I was very leery of the movie, mostly because I am not a big Nic Cage fan, but the movie was a blast. All of the conspiracy theory goodness you might want, lots of fascinating history, and a lovely document restoration expert to keep things well-balanced.

Hollywood needs to do more films like this; defintely some "out of the box" thinking going on here. I would put this and Sky Captain as the two films this year that were surprise hits for me.

[Carling]

The Declaration of Independence is shown?

This will be banned in CA, I tell you, banned!

[SuziQ]

I took our two teenagers and they met up with several of their friends on Wednesday to see it. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It just goes to show that movies CAN be made that are both enjoyed by whole families and can make money as well!

[churchillbuff]

They highlighted a nice quote from the Declaration of Independence.

[Carling]

My next-door neighbor came over today to watch the Colts-Lions game because his wife and daughter were watching parades on TV.

He saw the film yesterday and loved it. I said the ads showed a movie that was outside the box. He said that is why he loved it.

To cut the story short, he and his wife are watching our 15 month-old tomorrow while the wife and I go watch National Treasure.

[shibumi]

You have both hit on the probable reason the film got bad reviews. Anything Hollywood produces that does not savage the viewer with profane, obscene or scatalogical references is not "art" and thus not eligible for the Robert Maplethorpe Memorial Award.

[Mount Athos]

Whole family absolutely loved it. Parents were so thrilled they couldn't stop saying how fantastic it was. Highly highly recommended for the family.

[26lemoncharlie]

The Liberal left and the Homosexuals must be thrown out of Hollywood. Nobody wants their TRASH PHILOSOPHY OR FILTHY Lifestyle. Get back into the Trash heap where you belong !!

[Straight Vermonter]

I almost fell asleep. What an awful movie.

[jocon307]

"This will be banned in CA, I tell you, banned!"

LOL, looks like I might have to wrangle hubby to the movies yet again. Got him to go see Team America (F*** yeah!) (SORRY!) based on the premise that all Hollywood really understands is the box office. So maybe they need our $16.00 for National Treasure. Well, they might have to make do with $10.00, if we go see the FIRST showing at the mall near us.

[goldstategop]

Any movie that's to the left of Mel Gibson is wowed over in Hollywood. Another movie to watch during the holidays is I Am David. A good story about a child survivor from Bulgarian Communism in the 1950s. Last night I saw the Warner Bros. network An American Girl Holiday period piece. I hugely enjoyed it - it paints a picture of Victorian America as a country of good and decent people. Even an upper class family is portrayed as noble for a change. When Hollywood begins making more patriotic and family-friendly movies, people will begin to watch more and part of this rejection of the cultural critics is that its a general disgust with the obscenity and sleaze (the critics have helped to glamorize and sanitize) in the culture. People want to feel good about themselves and their country.

[wizardoz]

I just came from seeing this movie. It's cute. It's entertaining. It's a couple hours of trying to guess, "The Liberty Bell! No, wait... Paul Revere's ride!! No, wait... Monticello!"

It's a little Indiana Jones and a little Tombraider. It's not enlightening, and it drags from time to time, but over all, there aren't too many moments when you go, "Oh, geez, not this s*** again," and not any moments you'd have to cover the kids' eyes and make a mental "talk later" note. It's a good flick. You won't be up late pondering it in depth, but you also won't be lying awake, simmering, thinking "Why do I give those f*****s my money?!"

[JLAGRAYFOX]

Speaking of movies, there are a number that should be sent into the toilet this fall season. Of course "Alexander" is already failing after its first day of release. A couple of other films should tank also, "Meet The Fockers" with Robert DeNiro (DeNiro has certainly gone down hill, hasn't he) and Barbra Steisand and Ocean's Twelve with that lightweight George Clooney and his pack of Democrat butt lickers. Actually, Hollywood is not having a very good year. Maybe they will get the message.

[monkeyshine]

Well, someone "green lighted " it. I guess they deserve a bonus. :-)

[gridlock]

I'm amazed that anybody makes adventure films with no graphic violenc, vulgar language or adult sexual situations. Those are so much part-and-parcel of the genre, it is hard for me to imagine a movie without them. I think this is a fabulous development, and I hope it is the start of a trend.

That PG rating opens up a whole new market.