Interesting concept, poorly executed.

Rating: 6/10 (20 May 2006)

There is no denying the hype of "The Da Vinci Code". I recently read the novel prior to the theatrical release of the movie. And in my opinion, I found the book interesting because of the many theories and facts it presented, not the fictional story that surrounds it. The movie on the other hand, seems to favor the fictional story. I have to say that I am a bit disappointed of Ron Howard. It would seem that after his recent masterpieces that this would be a safe bet. You know, like an epic adaption, code breaking in the sense of John Nash in "A Beautiful Mind". Sadly, Howard moves through the material with hasty pace, and without much tension. In general, I guess you could say that the movie is quite faithful to the book. Some things are changed though, but nothing major. However, the movie seems to be taking a much safer and milder tone to its accusations. Visually, the movie looks OK. I had hope a for a little bit more from the cinematography, but it was OK. The same can be said from Hans Zimmers score, it does its job, but nothing memorable.
To conclude, in my opinion the movie seems to lay its wight on other elements then what I found interesting in the book. Its source material was interesting, the movie on the other hand, passes as a decent thriller. Just barley though.