The fun must be in the fact gathering.....and Paul Bettany

Rating: 5/10 (21 May 2006)

If you are already familiar with art history or apothrycal mythology; skip this movie. If you don't know what "apothrycal" means in terms of Catholicism, then the movie is for you. (I don't mean this in an insulting manner either.) There is a lot of explaining things, and not much really happening. For the amateur art historian, it's like watching a training video at a job you've been familiar with years and therefore drags.
*******Minimal spoiler alert******
The acting is awful. I was giddy with excitement at with Tautou being cast, but she brings the film down more than anyone. Ian McKellen brings some life into film, but the real scene stealer was Paul Bettany as the murderous, misguided, monk. I wanted to see lots more of him and in comparison to the scenes with Hanks and "Amelie" Tautou, I wanted to cheer when he was on screen.I also wanted to walk out when it was apparent that his role in the story was over, since he was the only person of interest. *****Okay again!*****
Conclusion; avoid if you know the info. But if you are not into history and such, it might be an enjoyable ride.