An interesting idea gone Hollywood

Rating: 7/10 (20 May 2006)

Having never read the book, I went into the Da Vinci Code with no expectations other than those I usually have going into a Ron Howard production.
The beginning sequence dove right into the story and Paul Bettany's performance as Silas begins in spectacular fashion. Unfortunately, and it seems to last throughout the entire film, Hanks' acting skills seem to have been buried along with the secret of a holy bloodline and never makes an appearance in this film. Ian McKellan proved himself once again a great actor as Sir Leigh Teabing, and Jean Reno was a natural choice for Captain Fache.
The story itself was utterly predictable if not entertaining. Hanks and Tautou's lines were classic Hollywood thriller (boring and cheesy), and that was not helped by the fact that they looked uncomfortable along-side each other for the entire two hours.
Thankfully for us, the viewers, Bettany and McKellan save the piece from itself.