What's your problem?! I really enjoyed DaVinci Code the movie

Rating: 8/10 (21 May 2006)

I read the book. I read Angels & Demons. I don't think Brown is the world's greatest word-smith, and while reading both I often questioned the plausibility of some of the situations. But he does know how to create a page turner and expose the reader to an amazing travelog and awareness of historical art, architecture, facts AND - MYTHS. It is a NOVEL. Those who are so threatened by the tale need to get over it. How much of our literature and movies are twisted and turned to make an exciting story? Most of it.
Now to the movie --- I thought Ron Howard did a beautiful job telling the tale of the book. He didn't leave out anything too important. What - you want to sit there over 4 hours? My son didn't read the book - and he was able to follow the plot. The story has wild twists and turns. It is fast-paced. But I thought it was well told and I especially liked the way they superimposed other images - often historical - to tell the back stories. There were actually some things I better understood after seeing the movie - like the motivation of Remy Jean.
Audrey Tautou was captivating and Ian McKellen was a perfect Sir Teabing. The big reviewers are criticizing Tom Hanks for being boring. It is one of his more subdued performances, but I didn't find him dull. And the portrayal of Silas actually brought more understanding to his actions and devotion to Opus Dei - rather than presenting him as a one-dimensional villain.
I am personally not threatened by the thought that Christ might have been married or had a child. Over the centuries a lot of our church doctrine was decided by men controlling things in a back room. I was actually surprised at several points in the movie where Howard especially brought out statements that one's faith should not be diminished by what was being revealed in the plot. But those with closed minds about this NOVEL aren't going to appreciate any of this.
I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and viewing the historic sites. I sat through the entire movie, not wanting to miss a moment. No potty or snack breaks during this one. So I don't get the complaints about boredom. I'm ready to go see it again. Don't get turned off by the naysayers. Especially if you read the book, I think you will be pretty happy.
Now if they ever try and do a movie of Angels & Demons -- I think that will be a crazy one. The twists and turns are much more unbelievable and implausible!
Addendum: After reading the mass of negative reviews on this site - I'm guessing a conspiracy by the "religiously offended" to blast this movie here and wherever they can. (And for the others, with their snobby and blasting criticism -- I wish they would name what they consider a GOOD movie - so we can put their criticism in perspective!) Wonder how many blasters actually even saw it. One woman picketing a theater in Chicago was quoted as saying she was so upset about the blasphemy of Jesus having sex - and if they say he had sex - then every kid will think they can have sex with anyone! Great connection. The movie's theory is that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene in a loving relationship - not someone who slept his way across the holy land! Folks - you are out of control!