Not a bad film, but if you've read the book, there's no point

Rating: 7/10 (21 May 2006)

Poor Ron Howard...if he hadn't followed the storyline, he would have been criticized, and now he's being criticized because he has followed the storyline.
The film is not a bad one. I'm sure I would have liked it more if I hadn't already known what was going to happen. And that's the problem. EVERYONE has read the book, so we didn't need the movie.
In a love story, even if you know the ending, a well-made movie can still make you feel a lot of emotion. But with a mystery story, once the suspense is gone, there is no other emotion a viewer can feel. I was bored watching it even though I really wanted to have an emotional response.
The acting is fine. Hanks isn't "stiff". He's playing a scientist who uses his brain, not a lover who uses his body. The on-location shots are great. I really like how they used other languages in the film to make it feel more authentic.
In conclusion, see the movie if you haven't read the book, but don't see it if you have read the book.