A classy and very faithful adaptation.

Rating: 9/10 (25 May 2006)

After re-reading the book a month ago, I walked into this movie a bit leery how it would be treated on screen despite my faith in Ron Howard who is 1 of my 3 favorite directors (Spielberg, of course, and Chris Nolan being the other 2). But Howard gives us another very entertaining and smart movie. Dan Brown must be very happy. He should be. This is one of the most faithful movie adaptations ever. Nothing of any importance was left out and the movie benefits by turning intriguing words and ideas words into beautiful and often emotionally moving pictures plus the performances are top notch. It is very nicely cast. Audrey Tatou is the standout here. Tom Hanks gets better and better as the movie goes along (and at over 2 and 1/2 hours it goes a long way). In fact this movie gets better as it goes along. It picks up an emotional weight near the end that the book didn't give me. The writing and the editing are superb. It is a bit talky at times, but it never dragged. Whatever you feel about the book is how you'll feel about the movie. (I would actually give the book 8/10 or slightly lower than the movie.) For Ron Howard fans this isn't APOLLO 13 or Cinderella MAN, but it is close.