_**Modern "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in America**_

If you can imagine a "Raiders of the Lost Ark"-type story taking place in modern America, you'd have a fairly good idea of what "National Treasure" is like. Nicolas Cage plays the Indiana Jones-type treasure hunter, Benjamin Franklin Gates, accompanied by his partner (Justin Bartha) and romantic interest (Diane Kruger), the latter a historical document scholar who gets dragged into the wild proceedings.

THE PLOT: Gates feels he has no choice but to audaciously steal the Declaration of Independence to save it from his nemesis (Sean Bean). The document has an invisible clue on its flip side, which supposedly leads to a vast, coveted 'national treasure.' Can Gates successfully swipe the document, elude the Feds, and ultimately find the ancient fortune before his murderous, greedy rival? And can he simultaneously "get the babe" as well?

"National Treasure" put a big grin on my face throughout its entire runtime. Like 1981's "Raiders of the Lost Ark," you're not supposed to dwell too deeply on the events because, if you do, the implausibilities will start to mount up. Nevertheless, even though this was made to be a fun, eminently entertaining ride, it still somehow stimulates ruminations and interest in American history. Not a bad byproduct, no?

A handful of miscellaneous items:

* 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, believe it or not, Yes' guitarist/songwriter Trevor Rabin. Like "Conan the Barbarian," "Last of the Mohicans" and "Where Eagles Dare," this is a soundtrack worth owning; it's that superlative.
* The protagonists are all likable; heck, even the head Fed, played by Harvey Keitel, is likable.
* The chases are thrilling.
* The film was shot on location in Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York City.
* Jon Voight plays Gate's father.
* Like "Raiders" this is a family-friendly experience -- upbeat with no needless cussing, sex or gore. The movie leaves you with a good feeling.

CLOSING THOUGHT: Despite the fact that Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper gave it 'thumbs down' -- Roeper even calling it 'Howling, howling BAD' -- "National Treasure" was a huge hit with audiences in 2004. This shows that critics like Roeper see WAY too many movies. They can't even lighten-up enough to enjoy a fun, thrilling, historically-stimulating popcorn flick. Implausible? Yes (at times, anyway). Bad? No.

Make no mistake, "National Treasure" is an entertaining quasi-believable adventure film. It's got the mojo.

The movie runs 2 hours, 11 minutes.

GRADE: B+/A-