The movie just missed it

Rating: 3/10 (10 July 2006)

**** WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD ****
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As many would agree, the original book is definitely way better than the movie as most movies are which are based on a novel or a book. To me, I'm disappointed with the movie because I felt it didn't represent the essence of the book. Besides the obvious controversy, the book's central theme is the glorification of the feminine. This is definitely not the point of the movie. Sophie, the story's main "feminine" character, was portrayed in the movie as weak and even unintelligent. In the book, Sophie was central in breaking the numerous codes left by Sauniere. The concept of the "feminine" is definitely not present in the movie. Instead, it felt like the movie simply wanted to focus on the Jesus controversy (the meeting at the Château with Leigh Teabing...they got that one right on the mark) rather than what the book is truly about---Sophie's search for the truth about her family. The movie even failed to capture the thrill of solving the riddles, which I thought made the book really great!
I understand that the movie cannot possibly include all the details in the book; but there's a difference between omitting certain details and actually "rewriting" the plot to fit in the movie. The first half I thought was right on the mark with the movie (albeit a bit too fast), but the second half completely deviated. Character portrayals were changed. How the codes were broken were missed. The list goes on and on....
Personally, if you want to enjoy Da Vinci Code in its essence, I definitely recommend reading the book first then watching the movie. Try to ignore the controversy behind it. I myself cringed at the fact that the so-called "truths" in the book were totally inaccurate and wrong (yes, I've done my research too), but if you can separate that and just enjoy the book based on its impressive storytelling, then you will appreciate it more. BUT, if you decide to watch the movie first though, you will fail to appreciate the suspense and mystery factor involved in breaking the code...