Excellent film, not worth the harsh criticism it received

Rating: 9/10 (5 June 2006)

I am 14 years old, and an avid reader but also a very harsh film critic.
In the case of the Da Vinci code, I fell in love with the book, as soon as I read it, and the movie was a similar story. The movie has been harshly judged by critics, and one notable report claimed that it was a load of rubbish, however I am inclined to disagree with this statement and recommend it to anyone with an interest in the Dan Brown books.
The film has a slow beginning, but as soon as the action starts, it continues at a lively pace, but (in my opinion) explaining the majority of it very well.
Ron Howard has brought the book to life excellently on the silver screen, and the casting can't be criticised. Sir Ian McKellen, really settles into his role as the obsessive historian Leigh Teabing, and Paul Bettany is absolutely fantastic as the Opus Dei monk, Silas, bringing a sense of evil and vulnerability to the part, whilst avoiding the usual stereotypical villain portrayals.
Tom Hanks and Audrey tatou have both been criticised for not having any on screen chemistry, but realistically, if the average person was trying to be murdered by various people, they wouldn't fall in love with the first girl they meet. Ron Howard is just living in the real world.
All in all, I would say this was an excellent film suitable for just about anybody.