A chore for anyone except the Converted !

Rating: Null/10 (21 May 2006)

Not having read the book but familiar with its contents and story - I found this film a real chore to endure - and not something I would like to repeat either. It was a film that appeared to be like a contestant in a reality show where it had to do 20 things in two and a bit hours. It appeared to be making sure it was covering the ground of all those who had read the book (so a lot of the book's scenes are there as well - as I understand from my partner) - but also deal with those who had no clue about anything. Hence the weird 're-enactments' from Christianity's past including Emperor Constantine, paganism's fall, The capture of Jerusalem in 1099 and the secret the Knights Templar had found which allowed them to blackmail the papacy . For those in the middle - like myself - well , I kept thinking - 'there is no time for us to get to know - or care about these characters'. I think also it was an interestng clash of acting styles. The British actors had no problem getting into their roles (McKellen, Bettany and Molina) but Tom Hanks was a tourist in his own movie. As for Audrey Tautou - her strong French accent wasn't charming when you couldn't understand what she had just said. So for fans of the book - go see. Anyone else - hope Ron Howard has made a better film by the time the DVD comes out.