A Revisit of a Disney Favorite: “National Treasure”
- Matt Palmer
- Jun 24, 2025
- 3 min read
Since I took a look at one Disney favorite for this edition, I wanted to add in one more Disney favorite. So, with the 4th of July coming right up (the day the Declaration of Independence was signed), I thought of the perfect family favorite that involves this historical document - the 2004 movie “National Treasure.”
Historian and code-breaker Ben Gates has been searching his whole life for a rumored treasure dating back to the creation of the United States.
Joining an expedition led by fellow treasure hunter Ian Howe, Gates finds an ince-blocked Colonial ship in the Arctic Circle that contains a clue linking the treasure to the Declaration of Independence.
But, when Howe betrays him, Gates has to race to get the document ahead of his so-called colleague.
This was the first time in a while since I watched “National Treasure.” And, while going through this movie once again, I remembered how fun this Disney favorite is.
“National Treasure” delivers quite a few fun moments that blend the mix of history and fiction. This 2004 Disney favorite reminded me that treasure hunt movies can still be a lot of fun. The “follow the clues” format is quite engaging and the whole family would enjoy the adventurous storyline that unfolds throughout the movie.
Are there some historical inaccuracies in this movie? Perhaps. Is the plot kind of flawed and improbable? Sure. But, that definitely won’t ruin the fun that the family will have with watching “National Treasure.” In between the adventurous moments, there are also quite a few moments throughout the movie that can easily give you a nice little laugh (especially from the character of Riley - Ben Gates’ assistant).
The 2004 movie also features quite a few stand out moments, such as a thrilling car chase throughout Washington DC after the Declaration has been stolen and the incredible reveal of the treasure chamber towards the end. Also the scene where we see a few of the characters use lemon juice and heat from a blow dryer to reveal a hidden message on the back of the Declaration is really interesting. This moment a
lso contains historical intrigue with a touch of mystery/adventure.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics during its initial theatrical run, this is an enjoyable movie that’s still popular with fans and families today. And, since I’ve been checking out a couple Disney favorites lately, I will be planning my next Family Movie Night series which will consist primarily of some Disney favorites! Make sure to keep on checking my Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews page on Facebook of when I will be starting this series!
And, let’s hope that Disney finally decides to get a “National Treasure 3” going!
“National Treasure” is rated PG for action violence and some scary images (runtime 131 minutes) (available to stream on Disney Plus)
The movie includes footage from the first filming allowed in the tower of Philadelphia's Independence Hall.
The movie suggests that something is written on the back of the Declaration of Independence. It is true that something is written on its back. The writing on the back of the Declaration of Independence reads: "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776" and it appears on the bottom of the document, upside down. While no one knows for certain who wrote it, it is known that early in its life, the large parchment document (it measures 29 3/4 inches by 24 ½ inches) was rolled up for storage. So, it is likely that the notation was added simply as a label.
On the DVD, director Jon Turteltaub says the initial rough cut was around four hours long.
According to many references, no cameras are allowed in the national archives, due to the flash affecting the documents.
Before the movie got its rating, it was under the Touchstone Pictures banner (which is part of Disney). When the film got its rating (which is PG), it was then put under the Walt Disney Pictures banner, as it is clear that it is a more family-friendly movie.
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