Ron Howard, I salute you on a job well done.

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 2006)

I saw the Da Vinci Code in the UK last night. I really cannot understand, why it has been so badly received. I went with 10 other people (some had read the book, others had not) and everyone of us thoroughly enjoyed the film.
I must say, I have never seen so many people queueing for the cinema!! Bearing in mind, that half of the world, know the start, finish and end (from the book), you knew there wasn't going to be any major shocks.
Also you have to think that it has a 12a rating, so the action sequences cannot be too gory/shocking.
If you look at it in simple terms, it is an adaptation of a book. The book was entertaining, (with a controversial subject matter) the film has stayed loyal to the book.
Ron Howard has done a great job, bringing the book to life. The old adage "if it isn't broken, don't try and fix it" applies to this, I think he deserves some credit, for not being one of these, pompous Directors, who try and tell the story in their own aloof way.
As for the characters, all have played the parts well.
Hanks plays Langdon well, (remember Langdon wasn't portrayed as Mr Action in the book), he's a lecturer, who is a play by the rules type guy. McKellen is great as Teabing,he brings some humour to the film too, Bettany is excellent as Silas, (but remember 12a rating!!!) so he can't be too menacing, although he does a very good job.
Tautou plays Neveu well too, as a quiet, shy cryptologist. Reno plays the part well, broody, mysterious, somewhat of a shifty character.
All of the actors involved, just played the characters, as they were portrayed in the book! what else do people want????
Why are people listening to Cannes critics anyway???? if a film doesn't shock, depress or downright disgust you, then the Cannes lot are never happy!!!
Go see it, judge for yourself people.