Watchable

Rating: 6/10 (4 June 2006)

The film is like watching one of those text based PC adventure games from the 80's. I can see it now: "You are Robert Langdon accused of murder; the French Police are trying to catch you; you must solve the riddles and find the real culprit, while discovering the real bloodline from Jesus that could shake the whole catholic church before your energy runs out". The protagonist, who is lecturing to students at the start of the film, in an Indiana Jones type manner, is called upon by the French Police to help solve a strange murder. There then follows two and hour hours of puzzle solving and distracting flashbacks. The film, despite it s subject matter, is watchable but suffers from being overly long. In fact, the best use of time, is the telling of silas' past in 30 seconds - just like a Tony Scott TV commerical. The Lead role isn't really demanding for Tom Hanks who puts in a delivery that wouldn't be out of place in the 'Keanu Reeves' school of acting. Audrey Tautou seems miscast in the role. You may as well have put in Rachel Weiz (more fun then!). The only reasons worth seeing the film is for Ian McKellen who really steals the show. Paul Bettany proves he can play a nasty villain, too. There is a twist at the end, if you stay awake that long.