Good Movie - Better If You Have Read the Book

Rating: 7/10 (10 June 2006)

It's another fine professional film directing job by Ron Howard - however, because the story is dense with history, exposition and details - the film plays much, much better if you have read the book.
In particular, if you're a fan of the book - you can compare your imagination of who you've casted, how you would've unfolded the script and how you would have directed the story cinematically. The story, plot and action unfolds at breakneck speed as they race to solve the riddle - however, there are parts of the film which bog down for exposition - but for those who've read the book (and who liked the book), the scenes play out much better because we know what's the gist but for those who have not read the book, some pertinent or important info might elude them as some scenes just fire info/details at you.
There seem to be some overly harsh negative reviews of the film, including Tom Hanks & Audrey Tautou performance which I frankly don't understand. Everyone is fine in this film and I wonder if it's just Catholic reviewers (whether they openly come out and disclose that or not) who loath even the mention of the subject matter that they cannot see anything beyond that.
DaVinci Code is not a great movie but it's a nice summer popcorn movie. Tom Hanks, as usual is solid - I was surprised at not only how gorgeous Audrey Tautou was but what a fine acting range she shows in her SECOND LAMNGUAGE - having only seen her in "mousy" roles, she was great. Of course, Ian McKellan really hams it up but that's what his role required and he seems to have great fun (as usual).
Again, don't be scared off by reviewers who might feel it's an affront to their religion. If they really watched the film, they'd see the issues are dealt with in a reasonably and complex manner. Certainly, it's your faith and you can be offended and that's your right - but at least be upfront and tell us that and not couch it by claiming it's the directing or the acting ... because that aspect is all just fine.