Intellectual and Thoughtful Movie With Minor Technical Flaws

Rating: 8/10 (19 May 2006)

The Da Vinci Code. Lately I've been hearing those four words a lot lately, both good and mostly bad. But i know that sometimes critics may be biased, so i went against the grain and I have to say, maybe critics aren't that right nowadays. This movie was extremely idyllic and thought-provoking and was no where near as disappointing many critics have touted it to be. Although the movie did have some flaws, very minor although:
Pros: -Acting was on-key and consistent, unlike the reviews. Tom Hanks, although not shedding his charm at all, still maintains to be interesting. Audrey Tautou has her moments as well. But the show-stealer is none other than Magneto himself-Ian McKellen, the most vocal about the project since the controversy. He is humorous, dramatic, condescending and fragile all in the same line and delivers with such a exciting intensity, it brings you into the movie. Paul Bettany also steals the show as the Opus Dei monk Silas, bringing a dark and eery feel to the movie.
-The cinematography. Howard knew how to film the movie in all of it's European splendor. From the Louvre in Paris to the Rosalyn Chapel, he focuses on mostly every detail in the room or city.
-The explanation. I personally decided to research Opus Dei and Priory of Sion before the movie and I can honestly say I could've not researched at all and still recognize most of the movie.
-The final shot. This is a spoiler: Seeing Hanks as Langdon stand over the glass pyramids, where the movie started, as the last shot was brilliant and unexpected.
Cons: -The editing. You'd ever think that something irrelevant is coming your way after 3 seconds of watching something else? Think about that while watching the movie.
-The claustrophobia side story. Kind of unnecessary if you ask me. Didn't need to be in there.
That's personally what I think about the movie. And go in with an open mind if watching. As Langdon says "It is what you believe." I believe this movie is something critics are panning to kill the controversy, even so this movie is way better than they said.
Breakdown: Acting-18/20 Directing-17/20 Cinematography-20/20 Screenplay-14/20 Music-20/20 Final Score: 89/100- B+