Sometimes a Question of Faith is an Act of Faith

Rating: 5/10 (2 December 2006)

With all the hype behind The Da Vinci Code, it was impossible for the movie to be as popular as the book. Yes, it had huge box-office gross, but that's because all those who bought the book went to see the movie.
The real question is if the fans of the book will be as loyal to the movie and swat down their money for the DVD? That remains to be seen and yes, the Ron Howard does have it's high points, especially if you didn't read the book, but also exposes the plot holes the book contains.
For example: It's impossible for an albino to be an expert marksman, simply because those afflicted with the condition suffer from bad eyesight. Also, Dan Brown uses theories to support his own conclusions in his book, which at times are flimsy at best.
With an All-Star cast of Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou and Sir. Ian McKellen, you can expect superior acting and it's there. But the movie drags at times, which is one of it's downsides.
But one thing the movie does make you do is think. No matter what you believe, it's the questioning of religion, which reaffirms ones own faith. This is clearly a fictional story and shouldn't be treated as anything else, but if one goes leaves the movie with a clearer sense of their own beliefs, then Howard did his job.
Which is why one wonders why religious leaders are quick to condemn this feature. The questions it raises, brings one closer to his or her religion - Catholic or any other belief - not send someone away.
Overall, this is good entertainment. Not the best movie of the summer and not Howard's, Hanks's or McKellen's best work, but a worthwhile watch.
Rating: **1/2*