when Cannes slams a movie, it's always better than you expect

Rating: 6/10 (23 May 2006)

if you go into this movie not expecting much, and preferably with a friend who also likes to take the mickey out of things, you'll have an enjoyable time. mind you we were adamant that our contribution to the box office should be via discount Tuesdays - we figured it was worth 3.50 pounds and not a penny more.
yes, i have sheepishly enjoyed the book. a friend gave me a copy for Christmas one year (complete with treasure hunt to find it) - despite my refusal to sink into pop trash. and i couldn't put it down.
so when i heard that they were making a movie with a star studded cast, i was looking forward to it. then came the premier, and the reviews. so i wasn't expecting much.
the script is pretty awful. there are many cringe worthy moments, and like many other reviewers my friend and i snickered and giggled at very inappropriate moments. i didn't find any of Silas' flagellation's chilling (and i'm a squeamish person), and the archbishop reminded me of Ira from 'mad about you'. hanks' expression made me think of a less subtle bill Murray, but frankly he did a good job. i'm a tatou fan and i expected more sparkle from her. agree that Ian mck was tops - there's something very warm about his eyes, which lends his character even more depth.
the movie is quite true to the book (and you have to give Howard/the screenwriter credit for not romanticising the ending) and i guess they did that at the expense of creating suspense. the cinematography is nothing to write home about - but when you have Paris as a backdrop maybe you don't need to work as hard.
it you expect cheese, you'll be satisfied. if you're a die-hard fan of the book, or there for the box office pull of the actors, you may just walk out.