This is an engrossing picture, despite its flaws

Rating: 6/10 (26 December 2006)

Robert (Tom Hanks) is an expert on historical signs and symbols. Giving a lecture in Paris, he is suddenly summoned by the police to aid an investigation. It seems a gentleman at the Louvre was killed but managed to write a message in blood on his body. While giving his opinion, Robert is caught up in a very tangled cat and mouse game, along with Sophie (Audrey Tautou), between the police and other forces. Robert and Sophie's lives are at stake and so are the secrets long kept by various Catholic societies. Just what is going down? This is an interesting movie, despite its slow story and shadowy look. Hanks and Tautou are great as the souls caught in an intrigue without a compass. Paul Bettany is downright scary as a terrorist Catholic monk. The tale is a bit wandering and long and the decision to shoot the film under a cover of darkness may turn off a few viewers. But, not many. For those who read the book and, for those who did not, here is a movie that has a sensational tale to tell, no matter the final production values. Most folks who sit down to watch the film will find it a great popcorn and soda kind of affair. What is more, the film may inspire people from all faiths and backgrounds to delve more into the world of history, both of Christ and of the Catholic church. As films go, that is perhaps the crowning achievement: a viewer who wants to reflect on the movie in the days and weeks ahead.