Code Broken.

Rating: 7/10 (16 June 2015)

The Da Vinci Code (2006): Dir: Ron Howard / Cast: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Paul Bettany, Jean Reno: Beautifully crafted contrivance that has enraged the Catholic Church regarding Christ's mortality, Mary Magdalene as his supposed wife, the Holy Grail, Christ's descendants, etc. Tom Hanks stars as Robert Langdon, an expert on symbols summoned to a murder scene. Audrey Tautou plays a cop who warns him of danger and aids him in his quest. Spellbinding with many plot turns make this an enjoyable thriller but its case against Christ's spirituality is questionable. Too many contrived or convenient plot turns nearly crucify even the human story. Ron Howard hooks viewers with tension and exquisite art direction and photography throughout. This does not rank amongst Howard's best films, which include A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13 but he does present mystery and suspense in the form of a guilty pleasure. Hanks is believable in his quest to dissect the code. Tautou is wonderful in the film's most mysterious performance. Ian McKellen is superb as a friend of Langdon's sought to assist with the code, and Paul Bettany plays an albino monk named Silas who tortures himself. Jean Reno plays the police captain investigating the puzzle. Christian elements or arguments are questionable otherwise the film is a beautifully painted hogwash. Score: 7 / 10