True to the Book

Rating: 7/10 (31 May 2006)

Follows the plot line of the book fairly close, and is generally a good "who dunnit". You will never guess who the murderer is--at least I didn't. The last portion of the film dealing with the St. Clair Chapel is where the movie gets a bit improbable. The underlying religious premise is questionable, but one does not need to believe it to find this movie worthwhile. The R.C.C. and Opus Dei don't come off too well in this movie--but I think they earned the portrayal they received--vicious, manipulative, stop-at-nothing types. Again, you don't have to accept this view of these organizations to find this movie worth the watch--you can merely accept them as the designated villains and that only some of the members of these organizations are vicious corrupt characters. In short, this movie can be watched at multiple levels, depending upon your own beliefs/biases.
There are some jarring scenes, including Silas' self-mortification and some of the murders--but what's a good "who dunnit" without some good murders? The violence and suggestions of violence are appropriate to the story. The shooting locations were excellent, the plot twists every bit as good as the book. Not sure why some critics panned it. I would say go watch the movie, form your own opinions and don't let any priest tell you what you should/should not watch. I would see it again.