The Davinci Cod

Rating: 4/10 (25 May 2006)

Yep I spelt it right, this is a stinker. It's a shame because, although I haven't read the book, I like Tom Hanks, Sir Ian Mckellen and being a red blooded male I love Audrey Tautou. The main problem with this film is it is so flat. Tom plays well it seems he's playing himself its how I imagine he would be when not acting. Ian is way over camp, more so than usual and Audrey is just bad accented eye candy. I don't think it's anyone's fault, it probably works as a book, but with no set pieces or major dramatic elements it just ends up being pompous, drawn out and ultimately boring. The story if you don't know it is basically about a series of codes hidden in various things that tell the whereabouts of the holy grail which is said to be not a big gold cup but a direct descendant of Christ thus making him mortal and not the son of god and so throwing out any form of religion that anyone knows. Pretty big stuff if true, enter people who want that truth exposed and those that don't, murder, mystery and anagrams come thick and fast or should I say thin and slow? Along the way we meet mad monks, corrupt cops and dodgy bank managers (hold on I'm making it sound interesting here!) when all is said and done 40 million people brought the book, and just like the first few ropey Harry potters, it has a guaranteed audience. I think the saddest thing is that audiences don't seem bothered anymore about the quality, this film was the second biggest opening weekend after Star Wars: Revenge of the sh*t, so its weird that a film that has had below average reviews can still pack out cinemas and break records. Whether it was the draw of the story, the stars or the controversy surrounding its blasphemous suggestions (get over it guys it's a work of fiction) something is pulling in the people and I for one can't work out what it is. This film is a perfect example of a great idea executed badly by people who should know better. Unless you're a massive fan I'd give it a miss.