Good stuff, if you can forget the book

Rating: 7/10 (8 December 2006)

The Da Vinci Code was one of my favorite fiction books of the last few years so I was extremely apprehensive about the movie version. Akiva Goldsman who adapted the novel has had ups and downs with screenplays over the years, but when he's good, he's good. His adaptations of two Grisham novels (another of my favorite authors) fell into that category and, luckily, he's good here too.
Though the film lacks some of the suspense of the book, and has sequences of the entertaining treasure hunt omitted for time's sake, it retains enough of the original charm to carry it along for its long 149 minute running time. Ron Howard knows how to direct a big exciting film and this is apparent in the Da Vinci Code. Every scene is beautifully lit and framed and manages to retain the viewer's interest despite a lot of historical exposition. Unfortunately, there is a LOT of historical exposition that simply works better in printed form than on the screen. Still, Howard gives it his best shot and largely succeeds.
One criticism I have is with the finale. It doesn't feel important or exciting enough for what it reveals. The book did it so much better.
Tom Hanks would not have been my first (or even fourth) choice for Robert Langdon, but he is a terrific actor and pulls it off fairly well. The supporting cast is wonderful, especially Paul Bettany as the creepy and tragic Silas, and the ever dependable Sir Ian McKellan attacks his part with relish. They, as much as the leads and director, make the film a worthwhile, if not great, view.