A nice thriller from start to finish

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2006)

I went into the film cold, without having read the book, and I enjoyed it. It stands on its own, apart from the book, which I will likely read now to compare the two.
The performances for the most part are understated, though at times the dialogue is too expository, and doesn't lead to any new actions, however much it gives background. I think that perhaps a rolling "credits" scene in the beginning might have helped make some points clearer, though I can understand the need for the characters to learn new elements as the story moves forward.
In comparison to other films in the "treasure hunt" type of action films, it is a lot more cerebral, but whether that helps or not depends on your point of view! There is very little in the way of graphic violence, though there are some scenes which might frighten smaller children. There was also very little profanity. I could compare it with "National Treasure" in some ways, but a "Raiders of the Lost Ark" it isn't.
The film (and obviously the book) pour down heavy criticism on certain historically religious groups, and I suppose this is one of the reasons why some are boycotting the film--however, since the whole thing has been designated fiction, I can't understand why people just don't accept it for just that--a "fictional" story.
The mood is dark, and there is some humor, too, though it's almost whispered at times. Perhaps this tone of "reverence" is in the novel, too, I don't know; Ian McKellan's character is the only one audacious enough to laugh out loud.
I recommend the film, but if people aren't prepared to check their own beliefs at the door, they might be disappointed in the film's outcome.