National Treasure: Edge of History, the new Disney+ series that aims to reignite the treasure-hunting fervor of its successful film predecessors, falls disappointingly short of its lofty goals. Despite the initial promise of exploring history's hidden clues in a new and intriguing way, the series fails to deliver a compelling storyline, resulting in a lackluster and unconvincing adventure.
At the heart of the show is Lisette Olivera's portrayal of Jess Valenzuela, a young DACA woman with aspirations of becoming an FBI agent. Olivera's performance shines amidst a sea of subpar acting, showcasing her intelligence, cleverness, and undeniable charm. However, her commendable efforts are marred by a lackluster supporting cast that fails to rise to the occasion.
The series kicks off with Jess stumbling upon a mysterious symbol on her necklace, setting in motion a chain of events that lead her to a letter and a photo from the enigmatic former FBI agent, Peter Sadusky, played by the ailing Catherine Zeta-Jones. Sadly, this intriguing setup quickly unravels as the narrative unfolds, revealing a series of contrived plot developments and forced character dynamics.
One of the most glaring issues plaguing National Treasure: Edge of History is its pacing. The story frequently meanders and loses its focus, seemingly stretched out merely to meet a predetermined episode count. Jess's fluctuating control over the treasure hunt feels unnatural, with repeated instances of capture and escape that fail to generate genuine thrills. These sequences come across as mere plot stalling tactics, ultimately detracting from the overall coherence of the narrative.
Additionally, the ensemble of side characters fails to make a meaningful impact, relegated to clichéd roles that mirror those of their predecessors in the original films. The friends accompanying Jess on her quest, including the obligatory tech whiz and the loyal childhood friend, feel like mere caricatures rather than fully developed individuals. Their interactions with Jess lack depth and fail to forge genuine emotional connections with the audience.
Furthermore, the treasure hunt itself lacks the grandeur and scale that made the original National Treasure films captivating. While the concept of combining the treasures of the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan civilizations holds immense potential, it is squandered by a series of underwhelming puzzles and a lack of breathtaking locations. Jess's achievements pale in comparison to the audacious feats of Nicolas Cage's Benjamin Franklin Gates, reducing the stakes and excitement of the adventure.
Despite these shortcomings, National Treasure: Edge of History does offer some redeeming qualities. Lisette Olivera's portrayal of Jess is a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster production. Her intelligence, wit, and charisma breathe life into the character, evoking the qualities one would hope for in a treasure-hunting protagonist. Unfortunately, her exceptional performance cannot compensate for the show's overall mediocrity.
In conclusion, National Treasure: Edge of History fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessors. The series suffers from a lack of a compelling storyline, forced plot developments, and a cast that struggles to deliver convincing performances. While Lisette Olivera's impressive portrayal of Jess Valenzuela offers a glimmer of hope, it is not enough to salvage the series from its shortcomings. National Treasure fans longing for the exhilarating treasure-hunting antics of Benjamin Franklin Gates will find themselves sorely disappointed by this lackluster addition to the franchise.
Rating: 4/10.
At the heart of the show is Lisette Olivera's portrayal of Jess Valenzuela, a young DACA woman with aspirations of becoming an FBI agent. Olivera's performance shines amidst a sea of subpar acting, showcasing her intelligence, cleverness, and undeniable charm. However, her commendable efforts are marred by a lackluster supporting cast that fails to rise to the occasion.
The series kicks off with Jess stumbling upon a mysterious symbol on her necklace, setting in motion a chain of events that lead her to a letter and a photo from the enigmatic former FBI agent, Peter Sadusky, played by the ailing Catherine Zeta-Jones. Sadly, this intriguing setup quickly unravels as the narrative unfolds, revealing a series of contrived plot developments and forced character dynamics.
One of the most glaring issues plaguing National Treasure: Edge of History is its pacing. The story frequently meanders and loses its focus, seemingly stretched out merely to meet a predetermined episode count. Jess's fluctuating control over the treasure hunt feels unnatural, with repeated instances of capture and escape that fail to generate genuine thrills. These sequences come across as mere plot stalling tactics, ultimately detracting from the overall coherence of the narrative.
Additionally, the ensemble of side characters fails to make a meaningful impact, relegated to clichéd roles that mirror those of their predecessors in the original films. The friends accompanying Jess on her quest, including the obligatory tech whiz and the loyal childhood friend, feel like mere caricatures rather than fully developed individuals. Their interactions with Jess lack depth and fail to forge genuine emotional connections with the audience.
Furthermore, the treasure hunt itself lacks the grandeur and scale that made the original National Treasure films captivating. While the concept of combining the treasures of the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan civilizations holds immense potential, it is squandered by a series of underwhelming puzzles and a lack of breathtaking locations. Jess's achievements pale in comparison to the audacious feats of Nicolas Cage's Benjamin Franklin Gates, reducing the stakes and excitement of the adventure.
Despite these shortcomings, National Treasure: Edge of History does offer some redeeming qualities. Lisette Olivera's portrayal of Jess is a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster production. Her intelligence, wit, and charisma breathe life into the character, evoking the qualities one would hope for in a treasure-hunting protagonist. Unfortunately, her exceptional performance cannot compensate for the show's overall mediocrity.
In conclusion, National Treasure: Edge of History fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessors. The series suffers from a lack of a compelling storyline, forced plot developments, and a cast that struggles to deliver convincing performances. While Lisette Olivera's impressive portrayal of Jess Valenzuela offers a glimmer of hope, it is not enough to salvage the series from its shortcomings. National Treasure fans longing for the exhilarating treasure-hunting antics of Benjamin Franklin Gates will find themselves sorely disappointed by this lackluster addition to the franchise.
Rating: 4/10.