the intriguing story and historical perspective leaves little room for much else

Rating: 7/10 (19 October 2009)

Followers of Christianity have been duped by an unknown holy war fought by a secret society? The Greatest Story Ever Told is a lie? This is the premise that handcuffed Ron Howard in bringing the enormously popular Dan Brown Novel to the sacrilegious big screen. Readers of the book will have no trouble following along, but the acting by our bad guys here come off as cartoons, while our heroes noble but castrated. We're left with a treasure hunt full of action and vivid storytelling, but little emotional involvement on-screen as Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou are a bland mix. Thanks Ron! The Da Vinci puzzles lose their marvel and storytelling impact as Howard respectfully lets the story remain the star, but giving the audience a tepid experience.