This film allows for excellent conversation-and everyone is talking

Rating: 8/10 (21 May 2006)

As the Hollywood hit machine is in a definite lull, there is nothing finer than a film that stimulates great discussions. The Da Vinci code certainly achieves that and more. Combine this fact with the divine Tatou (what other actress can make the ending seem even remotely plausible?)and no one should miss this experience. Now I am one who really resents the "I read the book first" crowd who will always dismiss a film like this. Nothing is more irritating than this silliness. "Da Vinci Code", which I haven't read yet, and may not get to is no work of great literature. It may even be a well written work of mass culture, but in any case, movies and books are two totally separate art forms. This film works because it keeps you thinking and guessing right to the end, and that is quite an achievement in an era where utter stupidity is worshipped and praised. Secondly, opening the can of worms which is the history of the Catholic church is a delicious morsel for all of us who have been starved for such fair since "The Mission." Frankly, I am rather stunned that the outrage isn't a roar because no movie in years has portrayed these men of the cloth with such a black and historically pointed brush. If you have even a remote interest in such things (history that is), and you can sink yourself into the delicious melange of Paris and London that this movie produces, and you haven't spoiled your imagination with actually reading the thing, you will have a fine time. The best part is outside the theater, because this is a movie that is just as much fun to talk about as to watch. And conversations are to be cherished. Take a stroll and bring it up. You won't be sorry.