~In Review~

Buried deep in the pages of American history, clues were left telling stories of a treasure so massive and great that no individual could own it. Collected through time and found by the Knights Templar, a "National Treasure" had been kept secret for centuries through the masonic brotherhood.

Starring Nicholas Cage, who plays Benjamin Franklin Gates, "National Treasure" is a movie about one family's legacy to find a treasure that most people have forgotten. The location of the treasure had been protected through a fraternity called the Masons, which included many of America's founding fathers.

Among this brotherhood were George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and at least seven other cosigners of the Declaration of Independence. As each generation of the Gates family searched for the treasure, Cage deals with the humiliation of the family's historic "craziness." At the same time, Gates feels obliged to protect this legacy and history from his enemy Ian Howe, played by Sean Bean.

The movie was filmed at historic locations, giving it a more realistic feel. Whether there is a treasure or not, by the end of the movie, adventurous feelings are bound to rise.

There could not have been a better cast for this movie. Cage gave an outstanding performance, while his sidekick, Riley Poole, played by Justin Bartha, provided the comic relief. Don't forget about Abigail Chase, played by Diane Kruger, who provides a romantic element, but don't let that fool you, the movie is still actions packed. There's something for everyone.

The movie uses landmarks and historic events to make the movie sound credible. For instance, on the back of the dollar bill, the image of the pyramids and the "all seeing eye" is a clue linking to the "National Treasure."

Even the Web site has hidden secrets and games that lead the viewer closer to other hidden secrets. One secret tells how the 13 colonies are represented on the back of the dollar bill. There are 13 stars above the eagle's head, 13 arrows in the eagle's right claw, 13 leaves and 13 berries on the olive branch in the eagle's left claw, 13 letters in E PLURIBUS UNUM, 13 levels on the pyramid and 13 letter in ANNUIT COEPTIS. To find more secrets or your own treasure, visit www.nationaltreasure.com

This holiday season, "National Treasure" is definitely a movie to see with its mystery, suspense, cinematography and actors.

"National Treasure" opens Nov. 19.

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