The Da Vinci Code is a super duper film, fast-paced and intellectually challenging.

Rating: 10/10 (24 May 2006)

The Da Vinci Code, set in Europe, is a fictional mystery--thriller about the origins of the Catholic Church. Robert Langdon, a Harvard religious symbolist lecturing in Paris, is called to a murder scene at the Louvre. The victim has scrawled symbols and a message in his own blood, to leave a clue to his killer's identity. Langdon is there not only as an expert but also as a suspect; his name was found on the victim's daily schedule. Sophie Neveu, a police detective and estranged granddaughter of the deceased, arrives unannounced; she has reason to distrust Police Captain Fache. Langdon suspects he's stepped into the middle of a two-millennium old war between the Church and the Divine Feminine. The death message indicates the victim is of the Priory of Sion, keepers of the Holly Grail and the secret of Mary Magdalene relationship with Jesus. Opus Dei, a devout Catholic organization, will defend the Church and stop at nothing to squash these secrets. Langdon and Neveu elude Fache and a race is on to find the Holy Grail, avoid the authorities and not fall victim to Opus Dei. Racing across France and Britain Langdon enlists Sir Leigh Teabing, a Holy Grail expert and close friend. Clues come from artistic symbols, Fibonacci numbers, a cryptex, and a rosewood box. The path leads through European history, Westminster Abby and Temple Church, ending at Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland.
The Da Vinci Code is a super duper film, as a friend of mine would say. The screenplay honors the novel and truly brings the author's words to life; the plot is fast-paced and intellectually challenging. The filmmaker's phase-in short flashbacks and thought images to capture and collapse the book's descriptive passages; this tactic effortlessly informs the viewer. The great locations and settings are a visual feast and offer a great backdrop for the plot. The film runs a fast 2-hr. 15-min. with ease and could hold one's attention longer. The final scenes back in Paris include a great symphonic soundtrack leading to the final scene.
The Da Vinci Code could have been cast in the tradition of Indiana Jones, a bigger than life macho hero and a sensual blond hot pants heroine. Rather, the characters are more scholarly and academic. Tom Hanks, as Robert Langdon, is a very subdued character dressed in shades of black and always with a seriousalmost panicked---facial expression. Audrey Tautou, as Sophie, is a rising French actress unfamiliar to most U.S. audiences. Ms Tautou delivers the right blend of composure and horror, for someone about enter the history books. Ian McKellen is in his traditional role of elder coach, teacher and adviser; a perfect fit. Paul Bettany, as Silas the Opus Dei killer, is truly a scary character as an albino. Bleached hair, pale white skin and glass blue eyed, he faithfully prays and flagellates after each violent action.
Editorial Comment: Professional reviewers are criticizing The Da Vinci Code (the film) for everything from too much salt on the popcorn to addition of new dialog. The Da Vinci Code (the novel), a worldwide best seller with over 60 million copies sold, has been on the New York Times best seller list for 163 weeks, as of May 2006. The film grossed over $77 million on opening weekend and won't leave theaters anytime soon. Director Ron Howard has been nominated for 40 film awards worldwide, including four (4) Golden Globe Awards, and has won one (1) Academy Award. Leading man Tom Hanks has been nominated for over 80 film awards globally, including 5 Academy Awards for best acting, of which he won twice. This film is better than the professionals would have you believe. Time Magazine severely panned The Sound Of Music [1965] only to reissue a glowing review in their magazine after realizing the customer is always right. Stay tuned.