Barely 7 out of 10

Rating: Null/10 (30 November 2006)

Given previous great performances by Tom Hanks (for example, in "Apollo 13" or even "The Burbs") I had high expectations for this film. The plot, at least if the original source is considered, had more than enough in its favour -- after all, there have been blockbusters and hit films with much worse to work from, and the supporting cast also looked very promising. The locations in the story would also make for great scenes in a movie -- or so I thought...
The best part of the film are the supporting cast. Jean Reno in particular was very good, and everyone else put in an honest day's work or better. However, the director did not take advantage of the great locations as much as he could have, with dark and/or short scenes where next to nothing is visible, the actors mutter a few lines, none of the actually simplistic but ostensibly intricate aspects of the Jesus mythology are explained, and the next scene comes on too quickly despite the fact that the entire film has a "slow" pace about it. Along the same lines, not enough (mock) art history is presented in the dialogue to allow someone that has not read the book to follow what the characters are thinking and why.
Hanks did an adequate job looking out of place and socially semi-inept, however, he still did not approach the overall "feel" of a genuine academic. Perhaps attending more wine-and- cheese events after seminars would have helped him get a better feel for his character.
There are good moments nonetheless. Silas is done well and his scenes tend to steal the show. Also, the last scene is IMO the best in the film, and one of the view scenes where Howard uses the surroundings to his advantage in order to bring the viewer into the action.
Not bad, but not as good as it could have been.