The critics are full of it.

Rating: 8/10 (26 May 2006)

I read a few of the reviews on web sites such as meta-critic and rottentomatoes before I went to see the film. Although this movie was universally scorned I still went and was really quite disgusted by the inaccurate picture that they painted. Ron Howard, with all of his skill and experience in this industry just does not make bad movies anymore (if he ever did). I feel that the critic's reactions were directed toward 1) the hype and 2) the controversial religious subject matter. They simply were not able to remain impartial and judge this movie based on its true merits. Its actually quite good, having an excellent story (one of the best adaptations of a book in recent memory) and great performances from the cast. Early comments such as the reaction at Cannes where people were laughing at serious scenes have me baffled. I saw this movie in a packed theater and certainly no one laughed, except when it was intended. I don't have any idea what scene this could have even been? I certainly doubt that the film was re-edited one week before release.