Absolutely a Must-See!

Rating: 10/10 (22 May 2006)

I was honored to have seen Da Vinci Code on the 19th of May, the first evening of its release. I was thoroughly titillated by the dialogue's ability to bring forth an interesting story. For the life of me, I cannot fathom all of these 'critical" remarks and spoilers. The movie carried me along, without one boring moment. I enjoyed it more than I enjoyed the book (which I found to be a disappointment, though not surprisingly so. I had read Angels and Demons, Brown's earlier book, having been pulled into that largely because of my interest in the theme of dastardly doings at The Vatican. I'm afraid it's a matter of an attraction one sometimes feels for what one experiences as an atrocity in the modern world -- a vortex of unchecked power reaching across our physical and spiritual lives. I've escaped intellectually but still have a fascination for how someone would portray darkness within this institution and get away with it. Ron Howard did a perfect job of it. I take exception with criticisms of casting. Tom Hanks surprised me in being well-suited to the role. I liked the portrayal of Robert Langdon as less than a super hero who (refreshingly) doesn't end up screwing the female supporting /lead. The lack of special effects that could have overcome a thought-provoking story was impressive and well-judged. I fear that we are facing a generation of critics who grew up with special effects and don't recognize the beauty in telling a story through dialogue. This is art. It made me a listener and a thinker -- not that I had not thought on such subjects before. In that the film was perfectly balanced between action/story/dialogue it was divine. I suspect that some bishops have been in touch with chosen critics who are incapable of reviewing the movie objectively. The other three people with whom I watched the move -- two of whom are published authors -- were as notably impressed as was I. I don't believe that I stand alone and hope that the voice of those who actually see and appreciate the movie can be heard above the din of those critics who pan the film. It's worth every effort to see this film. If you are addicted to action, you will be glad to hear that at least on two occasions you or those all around you will be heard to gasp, scream or otherwise testify to the the film's ability to wake you up and startle you. Silas was fascinating, as fascinating and as much an extreme example of what we can become if we embrace the more radical practices and ideas of some powerful arms of the Church. If these things make you uncomfortable, consider yourself blessed. They are real and have no place in the light of day. Kudos to Ron Howard, Dan Brown and others for exposing them on film, no matter how effetely. It's a beginning, and a beautiful and artful one.