Actually, I missed the knights who say....ni.

Rating: 5/10 (21 May 2006)

Whoo-boy, this is the blockbuster that never should have been.... a 'blockbuster'.
It should have been promoted as 'just another film BEFORE blockbuster season'. By that, no one would have had any BIG expectations.
I didn't read the book. And from the crowd I went with that HAD read the book, they were happier that I didn't and just watched this film as a movie. They said a lot was missing and misdirected. Sadly, I sat through the film watching so-so action, wooden acting and plots that went no where with an International cast of first class actors. Those who are harping on Tom Hanks and Audrey Tatou really shouldn't. I think they did the best with what they had to work with. This disappointment is clearly on the director, Ron Howard and the approved screenplay.
For example, during the alleged "action" scenes, I never saw such choreographed product placement. I swear, I was thinking: "I should buy a BMW. They look great!" and "I'd like to come out of a Rolls Royce like that at my wedding." The story? I didn't care.
The code? Big Whoop. If you can't figure it out in 20 minutes or less at the beginning of the picture, I feel sorry for you. I did 'nod' off at a few points, but lucky for me, got jolted awake by the audience laughing.
Tom, Audrey, Jean, Albert, Jurgen and Sir Ian did what they could with what they had. Sadly, I didn't get any build up of suspense, intrigue, international espionage and the questionable dealings of the "church". I got a tad bit of this -- and a tad bit of that but I felt like I was eating fast food....Satisfying for a moment but not very filling and the calories complied on me later are sinful for taking such an indulgence.
And yes, like many other comments I read, I sat there thinking, "Who could have done a better job directing this?" John Woo? David Lynch? No, my choice was definitely Darren Afonsky -- but any of those named above would have had you on the edge of your seat with their interpretation and view of the book. I found this two and a half hours of a film that just doesn't live up to all the hype.
It's not fair to call this a "stinker"..but it isn't a blockbuster of entertainment either. But....just to stay awake...I did have a gas humming tunes from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" in my theater chair - clearly a better film on just a part of this issue.