The Expected One?

Rating: 8/10 (17 November 2006)

It is a brutal, bizarre and ritualistic murder in a fashionable Parisian Meusum, which initiates notable director Ron Howard's sensational film, The Da Vinci Code. Based on Dan Brown's controversial book which purports to trace Jesus's Maravingian's blood line through the centuries on into the modern era. It begins with cryptologist Dr. Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) visiting France, lecturing and book signing when he is suddenly jolted into a dangerous and certainly puzzling high speed police chase which begins pin-ball style in the wet streets of Paris and flying across and into scenic Switzerland, Rome and even historic England. Accompanying, Langdon, is mysterious policewoman Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou) who helps Hanks and learns to understand the mysteries of her own involvement. Chasing Langdon is Interpol Inspector Captain Bezu Fache, (convincly played by Jean Reno) who is seeking not only to capture the good doctor, but to destroy him and his quest. Adding to the murderous and intricate pursuit are church fanatics like (Paul Bettany ) as Silas and religious Zellots like the infamous Bishop Manuel Aringarosa (Alfred Molina). In addition there are other menacing arch-types like, Andre Vernet (Jürgen Prochnow) and superb arch-villain Sir Leigh Teabing, played to the hilt by Ian Mckellen. The film's fine casting holds up well enough, despite Hanks's long tooth appearance. Vintage film buffs can readily see this film suspiciously mimics National Treasure. Difference is Nicklas Cage sought lost treasure, whereas Hanks seeks only the Holy Grail. Still, the great cast lends credibility to a otherwise dubious storyline. All in all a fun film with no harm done. ***