Mainstreem writing and mainstream movie making? yes. Cool movie? Also yes.

Rating: 7/10 (19 July 2006)

I came with only one expectation to The Da Vinci Code movie. I expected a mediocre performance. I knew this movie wont blow me away. It wont change my aspect of things and I wont find myself days after the movie searching for cool history myths and secrets on the net, trying to be Robert Langdon. I knew all this because I have read the book, and to sum it up in a sentence - The book was all about facts that will make you OOH and AHH, a little plot to patch the facts up and poof, book ends. So the book was the ground i based this expectation on.
Well, for you who want to go see the movie, heres a little plot summary - Robert Langdon, An expert of symbols, Is summoned by French police to a murder scene, which is placed in the louver museum. From there on he gets pulled in, along with french police code decrypting expert, Sophie Neve, a treasure hunt which, some say, would end God's power on earth.
I saw the movie with a friend who didn't read the book. And I have to say my expectations were answered, and more.
First of all, acting was pretty good, including a really good surprise, seeing Ian McKellen (Gandalf for LOTR) in a big role as Sir Lee Tibing. Tom Hanks, as usually, gave a pretty great performance, and also Audrey Tautou and Paul Bettany never slipped into the over acting zone, and they had quite the opportunities. The Shooting compensated on the lack of story, some really great scenery and really good angles and camera effects on the entire movie. The editing and directing part was great. The script was a bit dumber than the book, but still time goes by you as you find out more and more cover ups of human history. In fact, the basic thing that can annoy you about this movie, is the plot. So, yes. The general plot is kinda cool and everyone loves a good treasure hunt movie filled with cool facts. But the way it was told was in lack of depth and character building on most of the characters.
In short end, This is a mainstream movie, based on a mainstream novel. You'll get your ooh's and ah's, thats for sure. But if you are looking for innovative cinema-tics, this one is pure Hollywood.
PS If you hate commercials in movies you should go see this one. Almost none. Amazing.