Tom Hanks and the Holy Grail

Rating: 8/10 (26 May 2007)

Right off, I admit to not having read the book "The Da Vinci Code" but I was familiar with the story before seeing the film. Due to the lackluster reviews this movie received, I decided to rent it rather than rush out and see it. I find sometimes that films not well received in the theater do better as rentals. I'm not sure why. It may be the shelling out of so much money to see a film nowadays. Nevertheless, I suspect I had a better experience than some people.
I won't bother to repeat the story, but I am one person who did not find this film dull, lackluster, or felt like nothing was happening. I found it suspenseful and interesting, with good performances, Ian McKellan being a standout. The scenery was stunning, as was the musical score - the whole look and sound was that of a very big money production, which of course it was. I liked both Tom Hanks and Audrey Tatou - Hanks never imposes himself on the material, so he didn't try to make more of the Robert Langdon character than is there - which isn't much. Just about anyone could have played the part. Hanks was the icing on an expensive cake. Audrey Tatou was very good in her role. But these parts take a back seat to the intricate and controversial story.
"The Da Vinci Code" is provocative, exciting, and well done. My only complaint is that it had several of what I call false endings - i.e., you think the film is over and it isn't. I loved the true ending - once it got there.