Some intriguing ideas, but doesn't live up to the hype

Rating: 6/10 (19 July 2012)

Conspiracies are great fun. They are filled with intrigue, mystery and delve into the darker secrets of society. Usually the skirt upon the taboo, the untouchable subjects, the things we shouldn't talk about. It's no wonder why everyone is so interested in them. And making a mystery about the most conservative and untouchable subject of all time will definitely draw a crowd. That's just what Dan Brown did with The Da Vinci Code. Ron Howard's version, while not bad, is nothing spectacular. The music feels over the top, and I think this material would have been more appropriately handled with a grittier director (ala Fincher). But this epic historical mystery geared towards those 'familiar' with the legends of history is still fun. Unfortunately, with a number of 'oh brother' twists, it's a little harder to swallow for those more versed in history (and I can imagine people who study any art or history are livid). And while the story is always moving, very exciting, and keeping up the mystery, it more tells you mysterious facts than really lets you guess what will happen next. Still there are a lot of great concepts here, lots of treasure hunting to be had, and a great conspiracy to unravel. But despite its weaknesses, this is a fun puzzle.