Good Yarn - If you haven't read the Book

Rating: 8/10 (3 June 2006)

Your view of this will be spoiled if you have read the book. It's a two part story with the first being a murder mystery, and the sub-plot the influence of the Opus Dei. If you have read the book you know what happens in relation to the main plot, and the sub-plot is better to be handled in print. Fortunately, I had not read the book. Marveously filmed, it has outstanding performances from Ian McKellan and Paul Bettany. Tom Hanks is not well cast as the lead who is a professor and Hanks does not come off as professorial. Yet, I was surprised at the action, and enjoyed most every minute. The sumptuous photography is well appreciated and the various twists and turns very interesting.