Harmless (albeit, predictable) popcorn film

Rating: 3/10 (10 June 2006)

I was interested in seeing this film based on the controversy and hoopla surrounding the story. I had not read the novel, so I entered the movie with only the basic themes and plot points. What I was not expecting was that the film would give itself away within the first twenty minutes. I mean the whole film. Everything. After that I actually rather enjoyed the film in a kind of ironic way. Ron Howard presents the drama and suspense so seriously and awkwardly that it becomes rather funny at times. (The only suspense the film offered was whether or not it was really an elaborate SNL skit.) You know your film is in trouble when your action hero exclaims urgently, "We have to get to a library, fast!" I wasn't the only one who laughed. I guess the main problem is Ron Howard. He is like the Chistopher Cross of filmmakers. Lots of hits and awards, but in the long run, who will remember him (without laughing or wincing)? He is a utilitarian director who's biggest flaw is that he doesn't seem to understand that it is better to show and not tell. I get it already Ron! I got it a while ago! Tom Hanks is another problem. His acting is wooden, almost imperceptible. (Of course he is the only actor I can think of that has been upstaged by a volley ball). Don't even get me started on the brilliant Ian McKellen who wretchedly embarrasses himself in Da Vinci Code as an excitable Jesus scholar. If you don't believe me, pay close attention to the last twenty minutes where he seems to think that suddenly he needs to project as if he were on stage. The moody and atmospheric cinematography is the only bright spot in the film, and outside of the unintentional humor, the only nice thing I can say. Ultimately, I am not quite sure why everyone is getting all worked up about this film. The conspiracy aspect is interesting and with a better script and director it could have been something of quality. As it is the film is predictable popcorn fare; perhaps a bit better than your average summer mind-drain but all in all..."meh". Not having read the novel I can only speculate on the source material, but I can imagine that Dan Brown spends a lot more time than Ron Howard showing and not telling with his fiction. With all the money he's made from the book, maybe he can finally afford to attend that writing class.