Cannot Compare to the Novel

Rating: 4/10 (23 May 2006)

Most of the reviews I have read of this film, due to its subject material, are biased, either completely towards it, or completely against it, simply based on its accusations against Christianity. Almost none of them, however, have even mentioned anything about whether it was a faithful adaptation of the novel or not. Therefore, I believe that it is my duty to inform fans of the novel that this film will most likely disappointment you. I personally found the novel to be a great read and it was easily one of the most interesting books I've read in ages. I account this primarily to the fact that I took it merely as a piece of fiction, although the arguments it made intrigued me. The novel was a great page-turning thriller that ended every chapter with the reader wanting more, however the novel, although extremely thrilling, is not the type that is easily adaptable to film. This is due to the facts that it is neither emotionally nor psychologically deep nor does it contain very much action. I therefore did not expect much of the film, but even my low expectations weren't met by this unfaithful adaptation. My primary concerns are that a significant deal was changed for the worse. It is important that film versions of books do not copy their source material exactly and that they inject something new, however this film did little new and instead removed a few important parts of the novel. Anyway, in conclusion I was disappointed by this film because it barely maintains the suspense and thrill of the novel and does not remain, in my eyes, very faithful to it. However, if I were to solely grade it based on my expectations I would have given it a 5, but due to the fact that I'm trying to be impartial here and that if I hadn't read the novel I might have enjoyed it somewhat, I shall give it a 6 for now.
P.S. Please take this film for what it is; FICTION!!!