I was impressed...

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 2006)

"The Da Vinci Code", a novel that has captivated the world, and sold over 40 million copies finally makes its' film debut on 5-19-06.
Getting right to the point:
Despite previous reviews, "The Da Vinci Code" was a very good film!! I thought, for the most part, it was true to the source material. The pacing and progression were done well, allowing the audience to understand, but not be bored by endless explanation. Ron Howard did a wonderful job with his direction. Performances were on point. I read some reviews stating Tom Hanks over acted and became melodramatic at times. I did not think this true at all. Hanks portrayed Symbologist Robert Langdon perfectly appropriate to Dan Brown's vision of him. Audrey Tautou was brilliant as Agent Sophie Neveu, as was Paul Bettany playing the Opus Dei Monk, Silas. Mr. Bettany should be very pleased with this performance. Reading the book you see Silas as a villainous foot soldier there to do his masters bidding. Watching the film, I actually felt sorrow for him, not pity... but sadness. With a glint in his eye, reminiscent of one Gandalf the Grey, Ian McKellen stole the show!!! He was amazing as Grail enthusiast Sir Leigh Teabing. Providing just enough sarcasm and wit to give the audience a bit of comic relief.
Now for those who have read the book...You will notice a few changes and deletions. From the beginning to mid-point they are very minor. Mostly made to speed the film along and preserve time. However, the ending takes a different route from the book (note: the epilogue does take place in the film...it remains intact and accurate). If you want to find out how the ending is different....continue reading. If not....STOP READING NOW:)
**BOOK/FILM SPOILERS AHEAD**READ AT OWN RISK**
Book ending: Langdon and Sophie arrive at Rosslyn Chapel, thinking they've discovered the resting place of the Holy Grail, only to find Sophie's grandmother and brother instead. Sophie, believing her parents, brother and grandmother died in a car accident when she was 4(ish), was now in need of explanation:
"And so Langdon had remained, standing beside Sophie and listening in mute astonishment while Marie (Sophie's grandmother) told the story of Sophie's late parents. Incredibly, both had been from Merovingian families--direct descendants of Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ. Sophie's parents and ancestors, for protection, had changed their family names of Plantard and Saint-Clair. Their children represented the most direct surviving royal bloodline and therefore were carefully guarded by the Priory. When Sophie's parents were killed in a car accident whose cause could not be determined, the Priory feared the identity of the royal line had been discovered." Chapter 105: The Da Vinci Code: Dan Brown, author. Sophie is now reunited with her only remaining family.
Film ending: Langdon and Sophie arrive at Rosslyn Chapel thinking they've discovered the resting place of the Holy Grail. Finding a hidden passage into a, vault like, storage area they discover records dating back thousands of years. Langdon believes they are indeed "Grail documents". He begins to tell Sophie he thinks Jacques Sauniere was not her grandfather at all. The Grand Master of the Priory of Sion, was merely the guardian of the greatest secret never shared. Sophie. She is the last surviving descendant of Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ. The royal bloodline ends with her. At this point we meet her grandmother and are shown other Priory members.
This, in my opinion, is the only real change from novel to film. I thought it was unnecessary for them to speculate that Jacques Sauniere was not Sophie's grandfather, just guardian. Other than that, I found it to be an interesting take on Brown's ending.
All in all I give "The Da Vinci Code" an A-. I enjoyed it emencly, and plan to see it again very soon. I would like to thank you for reading and welcome you to post your comments. Thanks again.
Review by Sarah K. : Saturday~May 20, 2006