Better than snobs say it is :)

Rating: 7/10 (21 May 2006)

I'm really perplexed at the backlash against this movie. It seems like quite a few rather disdainfully snobby literary types don't like that the book was popular and are thusly taking it out on the movie, no? I can only picture the self-absorbed critics laughing at the climactic moment in the movie--which was neither funny nor poorly done. If you give yourself an attitude to stay distanced from the movie, you will assuredly do that--teenagers who think they know everything are capable of doing the same during "The Godfather".
It isn't a Shakespearean tragedy, but it is a fun adventure/mystery that awakens the imagination and fictitiously connects historical figures and art in a really interesting way.
The book was of that caliber and the movie did a fine job of capturing that quality. I'd give it a 7 / 10. Not nearly one of the best movies, but an entertaining and imaginative bit of fun.
Also, if it causes someone to research art and history more--and more importantly IMO, question a faith in a book of preposterously false myths written by ancient man--it's done a service to humanity!