Sunday, October 7, 2007
Da vinci's best! - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
the movie was great ,,,, it is very entertaining.. the cast and the disrection is really one of the best of Ron howard..but the book is quite better and exciting....
Major upset - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Nothing like the excitement of the book, this movie was slapped together and it clearly shows. No actor cohesiveness and the convesion from book to film is pretty predictable. Not too mention a long long movie that almost put me out....
Fell slightly below the bar - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Many felt the Da Vinci code would make a great movie, but while I was reading the book, I began to realize that it could never be well adapted. The book is actually fairly well written and entertaining (please stop with all the religious attacks and read the book as what it is, a NOVEL), but it just doesn't translate well to the big screen. One of the joys of the book is trying to solve all of the mysteries as you read it. Some might argue that feeling can occur in movies as well, but in movies we all know that with time constraints they have to push the solutions at you rather than give you the time to absorb it. This is the case with Da Vinci Code. The sad part about it is that after seeing this movie, you will know all the answers but never have the satisfaction of discovering them yourself. Again, when I refer to answers, I don't mean some kind of religious enlightenment; I mean understanding the codes in the movie. So to wrap this all up, I would prefer that everyone read the book (because quite frankly this movie isn't the greatest) instead of seeing this, but if you must, it's actually a lot of fun and will be very interesting to those who haven't read the book. Thanks for your time, have a good night at the movies :).
Overall Rating --> 8.5/10
Rating to those who have read it --> 7.5/10
-Cat
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Don't waste your money or your time - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
As one of the critics said...the book is quicker to read than the movie is to watch...
For all the hype there is virtually no story line and for all the lineup of actors and directors...a high school drama department could put on a better show.
Good movie, but sending the wrong message - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
I just saw The Da Vinci Code and I have not read the book and I didn't know what to expect. While I was watching The Da Vinci Code I thought it was a good thriller movie but it's just sending the wrong message nasically in The Da Vinci Code they are saying that Jesus and Mary Magalene had sex and had a child, that is all wrong and I couldn't follow that through the movie. They try to make it seem real like it did happen and try to get you to believe but not me. Those of you who have read and loved the book and liked the previews go head to the movies.
But for the rest of you who din't like the previews or don't want to support this message go see something else or stay at home and wait for X Men: The Last Stand. I am very dissapionted in The Da Vinci Code but atleast I got X Men: The Last Stand to wait for.
A solid movie with or without the book - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
At times a bit hard to follow if you haven't read the book, this nevertheless is a movie with an intriguing storyline. Ron Howard has done a masterful job trying to explain some of the book's more complex plot points through excellent visuals. The action never flags and keeps you involved throughout, with acting that is solid and laudable. This is a movie, not the book, and it should stand and be judged on its own. It succeeds every way on that level. It's a great summer flick worth both your time and money.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Yuck yuck yuck - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Cheaply made...freaking howard rushed the whole story and it is just so much more insulting to the christian/catholic faith by watching than reading it...
this is a rubbish fil...take my word don't waste your 9.00 just get J. Lo's Gigli! Gigli's much better or Mariah's glitter.
VOMIT!
Slightly flat, but if you read the book.... - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The film stays about 95% accurate to the book. That being said, the book is a lot of conjecture and puzzle solving which leads to lots of dialogue, which could be the most fascinating points of the movie, but they do fall a little flat. The action is mediocre. I cannot speak for those who did not read the book, but for those who did, it doesn't seem to be the kind of story to translate REALLY well into film. It's solid, but not amazing. Worth seeing though.
(Spoiler below)
the whole thing about "the well" and the claustrophibia - made up entirely for the film, seems to be a kind of way to say "hey christians/catholics, see we still think it's ok to have faith." Its a decent addition but still feels very forced after reading the book and all the information absorbed beforehand in the film.
For those who argue its a work of "fiction"...well we all know how well researched the book was, and therefore (Brown) sued over. The topic itself is fascinating of you allow yourself to play "devil's advocate" and go in with an open mind...
Anti-christian lemming movie - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
That's all this fluff movie is. It has tons of anti-christian sentiments and fairy tales which the atheist and other anti-religious lemmings love to believe without any facts or rational thoughts. The movie was terrible.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
The davinci blows - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
They should call this the DaVinci COMA - as it is a real sleeper.
I suggest seeing this movie in a theater with really comfortable seats, as you will be out like a light within the first 45 mins (don't worry, seeing as the movie runs over 2.5hrs you'll have plenty of time for shut eye).
The action and suspense that we have learned to love from flicks like Indiana Jones, Romancing the Stone and even National Treasure were all missing form this dull cinematic flop. The adaptation is way too serious - all the focus was keeping the story accurate to the book which does not make for good movie watching.
As for all of the external dialogue between the fact and fiction of this movie? The FACT is that this movie is all hype and no heart... I look forward to seeing Ian in X-3 later this summer - playing a much more intelligent and entertaining role.
The book is better - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Ron Howard's adaptation of Dan Brown book is very disappointing. The book is much better. There was too much controversy around the movie but at last the adaptation was so disappointing. Ron Howard adaptation was not as passionate as the book...
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Total nonsense! - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The movie is totally fake. All of the anti-Christian "evidence" is historically undocumented and phony mumbo-jumbo. If you like movies about a sulking, self-flagellating, murderous Albino, then this is your movie. I am tired of anti-Jesus movies. There is nothing factual in this movie. It is all rubbish.
Davinci code the movie (two thumbs) - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
This movie is excellent(10/10). Everything connected to this movie is simply SUPERB.
The Actors and Actresses performed their best, Tom Hanks once again proved that he is number 1(unbeatable).
Ron Howard directs the movie with nothing but style in the artistic form which many critics aren't able to identify it maybe due to high expectations or religious clash.
Watch this movie & WATCH IT AGAIN, TWO THUMBS AND TWO TOES UP, BRAVOOOOOO!!!
The Da Vinci Code the movie is even better than the Book.....AWESOME!!!
Almost as good as the novel - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The film is good and the directors we're able to bring the novel characters to life.
Its fun to watch on the large screen the characters in the novel and re-live the sites and historical places featured in the novel.
It was a great experience.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Wow a must see - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The movie is great, i dont want to give anything away so, just be ready for a ong and great movie. Get some popcorn and a big drink and jsut watch for 2.5 hours. Go see it stop reading.
Really why are you still home, get itn your car,
bike
train
space ship
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo
Great book, good movie - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
I respect the book and movie for breaking taboos and allowing people to ask questions about religion. Great pacing and editing. I could never understand why questioning a religion is so bad. Fact or Fiction- I say fiction. Then again, I don't just accept things at face value. You decide for yourself. Great movie.
Really not worth the price of a ticket - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
I read the book, which was interesting at first, but got tedious as it went on. The movie is worse by far. A much better book was "The Gemini Contenders" by Robert Ludlum and it would have lent itself to a more masterful rendition of a religious conspiracy.
Slapped together for maximum profit, neither this movie, nor the book, were either satisfying or adequate for a fictional distraction. I expected more from Howard and Hanks, but they did not deliver.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Da vinci not! - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
What a P.O.S. Tom needs to go back to playing idiots or the terminally ill. What a waste. I did not read the book and I sure hope the mass of you who did found it much more interesting. Rule of thumb: The more publicity a movie has the worst it is. Hollywood has gone stale.
Tom hanks worst acting - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Bad..Bad..Bad movie...This is Tom Hanks worst acting. The Story is as bad as the acting, even worst. No doubt. Better not to see this film. Save your money guys !!!!
A worthy picture - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
This movie brought out everything we read about in the book, and portrayed it accurately and fairly. Stop going on about how it goes against christianity!!! As mentioned by others, IT'S A BLOODY MOVIE, can't you lot understand that?? Overall, decent acting and good direction.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The book wasn't the best mystery. - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The movie was even worse than the book, which is to be expected with most movies.
Dan Brown's detective story had it's moments that make you curious, but I had a horrible time being entertained in this movie production. Even the few moments that keep you reading like the romantic spark between Robert and Sophie that Brown provided in the novel are non-existant in the movie.
There's no code to decipher here, except the absolute ridcule you'll get by staying awake. It's all so far fetched, because the focus is kept on keeping the plot out of reach of reality. In the moments where you should be shocked you can hear parts of the audience laughing and giggling. I couldn't even muster a smirk, I would have napped but the giggling kept me awake.
I know there's plenty of people who protest the movie. This can be stoppped quite easily, have them see the movie. The plot will have them into a comatose in minutes. I know it bored me to tears.
For the masses that were entertained by this dreary movie, pass the pharmacuetical drugs down the aisle next time.
Save your money. - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
This movie didn't even half way live up to the hype. Don't expect much, save your money. Not worth the time.
How religon will effect reviews - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
This movie was very interesting because of the fact that half of the ideas challenge the foundations of history. I have never seen a more influential movie in my day. So before you judge this movie on your religion go into the theater with an open mind!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Boring lies - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The movie has been already killed by the critics, Hanks and Tatou never found each other in the movie! Too looonnnnnggggg conversation and albino killer monk that is just a clown!
I hope Howard would make a special arrangement to avoid the religious issue but he coouldn't be Shame on Hanks and Howard to pull out a movie so bad and boring. Luckily X-men is opening next week!
Was this directed by an albino monk by any chance? - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
What other excuse can there be for such a poorly directed, poorly shot, poorly acted, over-long disaster such as this?
This movie is a slow-motion train wreck. I mean, did anyone bother to tell Ron Howard that an essential element for an action-thriller is EITHER (a) action, or (b) thrills? And preferably BOTH????
This has neither.
Unbelievable.
Pretty good - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
I have to say i haven't read this book, for some reason i resist fads like that. In fact i picked the book up ages ago but never really got through it. However it was quite a good movie. i enjoyed it thoroughly and it had a great story. Wasn't the most amazing thing i've ever seen but well worth the money.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Fiction? oh really?? - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The movie was a bore, and that has nothing to do with my beliefs.
I take issue with the folks who say this is just "fiction" so people should stop criticizing the movie. Come on! Dan Brown was quoted as saying that he BELIEVES EVERY WORD he wrote in teh book.
If it were fiction no one would care. You want the best of both worlds...you want to call the movie/book fiction, but you want everyone to believe the plot and all the "research" that went into uncovering this huge conspiracy.
The Priory of Sion was created in 1956 and Pierre-Plantard planted all the "secret documents" in various libraries in France. There is no evidence that Jesus married Mary. Many people believed Jesus was divine before Constantine "upgraded" his status at Nicea. Brown wants you to take these points as FACT, when they are FICTION.
If the author himself would admit his book was fiction, I'd agree with him!
Ishtar meets howard the duck meets da vinci code - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Well, the GOOD news is that the movie finally ends, but only after 2 1/2 hours of your life have been irretrievably wasted.
I don't understand why they didn't get an ACTION MOVIE director for this film, or at least a SUSPENSE MOVIE director.
This movie had the potential of being really good.
Instead, it SUCKS. Don't know how else to describe it.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Ignore the critics,dont miss this! - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
I went to see this after reading the critics reviews.Its nothing at all like they made it out to be.The movie was nicely made with good acting and direction!Most notable are the acting of Sir Ian Mckellen as Teabing and Peter Bettany as Silas.For a book adaptation they did cut parts of the book as expected but kept the important parts intact!
To all the viewer's out there trust me if you don't want to miss this if not for a great movie then at least to participate in all the debates and discussions this movie is going to generate!
They'd call this torture if shown at gitmo - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Slow paced.
Ridiculous dialogue.
2.5 hours of endless rambling, plodding drivel.
This had remarkably little true "action", an astonishing feat for an action movie.
And the ending was inane.
This movie rocks! - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Yo! this is one of the best adaptations from a friction novel on screen which i have seen in the recent past. Ths production values and the scale of the entire movie is perfect and what was asked for. The performances by all the actors were simply superb . Tom Hanks is in his full form this time round by executin such a complex and important character which conviction and honesty. i strongly recommend this movie !
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Great movie! does what any great movie should.... - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Forget about the hype, forget the lame attempts to slam the personel involved, this movie delivers. If you are entertained isn't that worth the admission price? I read the book and loved every minute. The movie, as most, does not script exact but excites just the same. As for the acting, perfectly cast. The directing, I thought Cinderella Man was an outstanding film but it didn't receive much either in the way of award nominations. DaVinci Code may not be on the academy's top list but it will be one of the more exciting movies you will see this year, of course you must have an open mind. Here's a little suggestion, take it in just as you might have with Aliens (eg. Sci Fi), you didn't really think that aliens would be invading earth soon did you? Believe what YOU will, not what all the buzz killers would like you to believe (bad reviews). Go enjoy a great movie and talk it about it for days or weeks if you'd like, it's what the Cinema is for!
Boring!! - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
BORING. Save your money and wait until it comes out on dvd and watch it over three nights. Don't buy into the hype about the movie. If you liked the book, you'll be disappointed. If you didn't like the book, you'll be REALLY disappointed. Go watch Forrest Gump instead and see a good movie with Tom HAnks in it.
Long but good - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Ok the movie was pretty good but it was really long. When you think it is over, BAM! there is more to the movie. I mean I did watch lord of the rings as did many people several times and not feel sleepy. This movie is not a lord of the rings movie. If this movie fails it is because of Tom Hanks HAIR! Come on!! Anyway, the plot and everything else about the movie was great though, just played out for way too long. Also more importantly, I am a catholic, YES OOOOOHHH who cares, I say this too all catholics who tried to ban the movie, IF A HOLLYWOOD MOVIE, MADE FOR ENTERTAINMENT ONLY, QUESTIONS YOUR FAITH, THEN YOU MY FRIEND ARE NOT A TRUE BELIEVER. THIS GOES FOR ALL RELIGIONS AS WELL! I beleive in my religion and as many question it at times but a MOVIE is not going to change it. So people please go see the movie, enjoy it but know you will be there for quite some time so drink a lot of caffine and enjoy.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Boring summer movie - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
I have to say this movie is extremly boring and uses music in all the wrong spots and much to often. Tom Hanks turns in a boring a robotic performance and has no chemistry with Tatou. I thought the book was hard to read but this movie was even harder to sit through.
Dynamic, energetic, and gripping - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
To start off, yes I have read the book. There were a few pros and cons I found in the movie, but overall, it was a very enjoyable, intense adventure film! A documentary-cross-horror genre. No super huge explosions or extreme death defying escapes. This is a film where you can really imagine that you were one of the characters. I truly loved the film. I would recommend it for mature audiences though, as there are 4 "live" killings in the film and quite a bit of realistic violence.
Pros:
Gives you plenty of time to swallow all the information you are being fed, and to remember (if you have read the book) what is going to happen next!!
STUNNING visual overlays and flashbacks, by far my favorite piece of the movie.
Some critics have reviewed the acting and found it wanting. I found the acting refreshing. These are very believeable characters. Crazy, misguided, or pensieve people perhaps, but believeable.
Cons:
Particularly violent in the first 20 minutes or so of the movie... All the deaths and the introduction to Silas and his "methods".
Somewhat weak ending. Its as though it doesn't matter if the secret is revealed. But then again, this might be a strong point if you are truly thinking about Sophie's feelings on the matter.
Not as bad as they say - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
When all the critics are dissing this film before you have even seen it i guess the expectations are lower than they should be....Those critics i feel only wanted to heap hate on to a movie thats billed as one of the biggest if not the biggest film of the year...Based on a book well read there is going to be a million interpretaions of what the film should be like..The story nothing new and yes most of the film seemed like images projected from my brain to the big screen.The pace could have been a lot faster as it doesnt catch any of the page turning suspense and with an ending already known it was tempting to go home early...But this is well worth the wait and the watch(cant really say the money as i work at a movies and its 3)but i would pay to see it anyway the actors are top notch with Hanks exceding my expectations of him and still confirming that Audrey Toutou is a fine actress and to watch Amelie asap.Sir Ian is great and provides a few laughs.Overall the film poses questions of revalation and faith at the same time...To keep a lie and allow everyone to remain with there faith or tell the truth and have all humanity lose faith in each other..I know what one i would choose.Yes go see this film discuss and debate but overall enjoy the reasn why films were made for fun and entertainment.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
And i loved the book!! - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
This story in case you do not already know is the 'fictional' story of how the Catholic church tries to cover up the fact that Jesus was married and conceived children that went on to become Kings of France. The story argues that his bloodline is still around to this very day. They argue that Opeis Dei,(a group within the Catholic church) is covering up the truth.
I am not one to come on here and rip on a movie.....but unfortunately this movie was very poorly made. Ron Howard tried to incorporate the whole book into this movie. It was almost too scatter brained. The story moves so fast and still does not play out very well on the screen.
Tom Hanks was not the right acxtor for this role!!! He was very wooden in this movie. He is come across as either too dramatic for the scene he is in or not dramatic enough. Even being the Hanks fan I am I would have to say it was his worst performance since Joe Versus The Volcano.
The only reason I gave this movie a 'C' is because it does follow the book very well. Maybe it is just that this book should have been left in print and not converted to a movie. Sorry...not impressed.
Not a masterpiece but good - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Without discussing the religious aspects of the film, I'd say the good things about this movie were:
1. Well shot. Included some very beautiful scenes, historical flashbacks, "memories" of the main characters... (especially the flashback of a car accident was impressive!)
2. They have compressed the most interesting material from the book into the movie, so the dialogs were interesting enough. (At least most of them...)
3. There was enough action between the conversations.
4. Actors were good. (But, personally, I don't think Tom Hanks fits this role. And both main characters seemed a little dull to me.)
The thing I didn't like:
1. The movie was long and had too many script twists - in the end you just get tired following them. There are at least three points when you expect the movie to end...but it does not...
Some script twists and ideas seemed a bit strange, but here the book is to blame, not the movie.
The people in the cinema liked this movie, some tried to applause in the end. Overly - the movie is worth watching. Not a masterpiece, but quite good, interesting and filmed well.
The catch 22 - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Here's the challenge; If you read the book you will look at this movie and pick it apart, but anytime a movie is based off such a popular book it suffers that fate. It feels like they left a lot off. There seemed to be far less focus on the entire concept and explanation of the Sacred Feminine and its historical importance. They talked about it obviously, but it just felt like it was overshadowed by the BIGness that is Tom Hanks.
From a person who read the book, it seemed that if you hadn?t read the book, you could have easily walked away scratching your head. Maybe that is the brilliance of the movie though, to drive book sales. I know if I walked out, I would have wanted a better explanation in the end, and would have turned to the book for more answers. If you read the book, you understood a lot of the nuances of this film, however, you probably walked away feeling like they missed something here. The catch 22 is, if you didn?t read the book, and you watched this, and THEN decide to read it, you lose some of the suspense and excitement that you get from reading the book.
Overall it was a good movie, but I think it may have come off better to those who hadn?t read the book first.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
This movie is just boring (from a cannes witness) - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
I was there at the premier of DVC. All I can say is that I understand where the majority of the critics are coming from and why they are giving this movie such bad reviews. Perhaps, their expectations were too high (i know mine were, especially with a film with Tom Hanks and Howard), but I agree with them wholeheartedly...this movie was a snore and unless you're a hardcore fan of the book, you're going to have trouble staying awake through all the nonstop talking and inaction.
Good movie, buttttt....... - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The movie is good in parts, but doesnt capture the book very well. I dont know but hollywood has often failed to convert great books into great movies. Tom Hanks is adequate, Audrey looks childish with him, Ian McKellen steals the show. Paul is good a Silas.
The charecterization and protrayal of the charecters in the Book is not Depicted well in the movie.
BUT ALL THAT SAID THE MOVIE IS STILL WORTH A WATCH FOR THE PRICE OF YOUR TICKET, MAYBE YOU WOULD LOVE THE MOVIE IF YOU HAD'NT READ THE BOOK.
Whether or not it is true I dont see a reason why you shouldnt see the movie. You could still enjoy it as a thriller rather than thinking deeply into the religion.
The da vinci code: excitingly thought-provoking - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
But inasmuch as the controversy and the hype that surrounds this movie is due to its supposed "scandallous" revelations, I have found that the storyline isn?t at all offensive to Christianism. As far as matters of opinion and points-of-view are concerned, the movie is not one-sided and spotlights both opinions with a well-balanced presentation of the dual interpretations of the "evidences" presented. There is still that respect for both sides of opinion. Ultimately, it leaves the viewers with a free-thinking choice of digesting it either as informative fact, or a thrilling story of fiction.
I wouldn?t have thought that I would be as thrilled watching this movie as expected. This film is directed by Ron Howard, who's known for his directorial work in films like Cinderella Man and A Beautiful Mind. Howard is one of those directors whom I treat as one of the forgettable reputed directors. His style has always been clean, but plain. Regardless of that plain factor that sometimes has a danger of stepping into mediocrity, his work on The Da Vinci Code succeeds in indeed keeping the film up to its thrilling, thought-provoking pace. The film smartly avoids dull moments and tends to get exciting as each step is taken. From the flashback scenes, to the mood setting, the film is well-executed.
The problem is not with the movie, but with the movie-going audience who may confuse fact with fiction. In our cultural history, movies have become very influential in terms of perception of truth. Movies may influence public opinion, particularly, if it is a movie that has gained popularity. And where did The Da Vinci Code gain its popularity? Ironically, from those who seek to ban it. This movie has become so sensationalized by its opponents, to the point that their fuss has created a wide interest and curiosity for the film. Even among friends and co-workers who rarely watch movies, have been seduced by the curiosity to watch the film.
Whether the issues discussed in The Da Vinci Code may be factual or not should be a separate issue with how good the movie is. Fact or not, it is still a movie, based on a book of fiction. And it is a great thrilling tale of fiction. Perhaps those who are against this movie are afraid of having to delve into the ideas and ask the questions about what may lie in history, about which story would be truth? I enjoyed the film; I have found the issues it presents are discussion-worthy and indeed thought-provoking. The film does not offend me because I am confidently secure with my faith as a Christian.
Some books are better left as books... - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The movie made all the hype because of the book but making the movie with PLENTY of alterations made the movie suck big time. The part of the story where Langdon was supposed to go to the Chelsea library but instead made use of the mobile phone internet was lame. They tried to be creative, but it just made it look bad.
Comparing it to other books i have read that made the silver screen, this maybe one of the worst. Harry Potter, though many parts of the book didn't make the story, still maintained a good following of the real story.
Next, the cracking of the cryptex code. The title says "The Da Vinci Code" and yet they by-passed the first code of the cryptex (a.k.a. SOFIA) and didn't show even one bit how they arrived at cracking this one. It goes the same with the second cryptex code.
The delivery of lines, for God's sake, was terrible. If you read this, take a look at the part where Bezu said that the Louvre Pyramid was "a scar in the face of Paris" and Langdon's "such a travesty certainly has never occured" when he was about to enter Teabing's palace. No emotion whatsoever. It was like they were reading something when they delivered those lines. Lame, in simplest terms.
Sophie in the book, was smart and witty. Sophie in the movie was a lost child. LOL.
Please Holywood, stick to the basic story line. The book sold big time and trying to be creative by making A LOT of alterations does not help.
I was expecting to see better. Disappointing.
Friday, September 21, 2007
The da vinci dud - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
I really, really, really wanted to like this film. ( I saw it in Paris last night, as it opened in Cannes on the 17th.) But Ron Howard told us a very detailed story instead of making a film. Nothing is left to the imagination...as it is all laid out before us in perfect sequence. Granted this book has been read by everyone, but I expected a more dramatic, subtle interpretation. I did not expect a page-by-page adaptation of the book. It was slow, and boring at times, and the ending was so off base it was comical.
Ron definitely needed a better script to work with. Tom is, well, Tom, and Ian is magnificent, Jean is ok, nothing special. I was disappointed in Audrey Tatou's acting, as she was some sort of doll person, a fake.
Many people do not like the flashbacks used in the film, I personally thought the majority of them worked well.
I just wish the ending was not such a dud. It was like tasting a fine French wine, the color was lovely, the body, ample, the boquet inviting,but the actual taste was that of tepid, warm soy water.....blaugh...
Good, fun filled ride. - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
First and foremost the following review is coming from someone who has yet to read the book, but after seeing this picture I think I might have to pick it up and see the comparisons for myself. But after seeing this sneak preview and talking with a few others that saw the film with me, who have read the book, I asked them for their critic as far as the relationship between the film and book. Their responses seemed a little surprising since early reviews that I read said that the film lacked resemblance between the two. One said that the film followed the book fairly well although it did leave out a few elements that would have been interesting to see on screen. The other however said that the book was much better than the picture and agreed that the film left out some key elements from the book. From my point of view from, as I said before, someone who never read the book before the film was very involving. The film never lacked story for a second and was very interesting to watch frame by frame. Although there wasn't much thrill to it as the trailer seemed to provoke but it did however provide a lot of action and suspense that made up for that lack of a thrill ride. From a directors chair the film looked very well done. There wasn't much acting on Tom Hanks part however, which is something that I would have liked to see more of, due to the fact that he is a brilliant actor. Ian McKellen however was brilliant as he always seems to be. This was a film that was getting more and more interesting as it went on, though to some it may be long and drawn out, I felt that the longer the film went on the more involving it became. Just when you think the picture is over it takes you on another journey that uncovers much more that you were expecting. Whether or not you believe in the message of the film it was very interesting to see. There were many instances that I began to question some of the evidence provided and had to think, but for the most part this is not a film to tear anyone away from their religious beliefs. Some early reviews and protests feel that this film is a bash out Christianity, but in reality it is just one mans opinion. This film, and the writers book is just evidence he has available to him to help support his theory. I for one did not change my belief and in my opinion this film is not an attempt to try and do so. This film was just a new look at some things that some may have questions about. The film itself was very well done and directed and was full of solid entertainment. The story was very intriguing and was definitely worth looking at. Beautiful dialogue, acting and all around direction leads this to another great film for the summer.
Da vinci is the way to kick of the summer - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
This movie was very well done. I enjoyed every minute of it. please dont read other reviews bashing the movie its probably their religion talking.You Be the Judge see if for yourself and you decide. remember its fiction right?
Da vinci adaptation doesn?t meet expectations - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
Debuting at the Cannes Film Festival an over hyped The Da Vinci Code by author Dan Brown is a dud for fans of the well written novel. The story is obviously a work of art as a bestseller, the cast are all well known, and the director is an Oscar winner. So where was the problem? Well to start out with the cons of this controversial movie is that the dialogue was cheesy which caused me to laugh in a serious movie. Now that shouldn?t happen with well rounded cast members that have been noted for their excellence in other great movies. Another problem with The Da Vinci Code was that it was too lengthy, sitting through a movie that is 2 hours and 30 minutes? long, while the fast paced novel zooms by in just 500 or so pages.
After reading many of the comments from critics that have waited to watch The Da Vinci Code at the Cannes Film Festival spread like wildfire that critics hated the movie. Though the critics might hate this movie, this does not stop a large audience of people from coming to watch this expected to be blockbuster hit to end the Box Office drought.
The Da Vinci Code is basically a mystery which starts out with a mysterious murder that gathers in specific people to solve a crime. The characters later on discover that there is something much bigger than they anticipated to even be going up against.
The pro?s of this story are easy to say from my point of view is that the appearance of this movie in the commercial would lure in a huge audience to go watch this movie. When I saw the commercial it seemed kind of like an action thriller more than a drama and mystery kind of movie. Another good thing about The Da Vinci Code is that it managed to drag in so many well named actors that considered the parts for this film and also a well director.
To sum this review up I would still recommend this movie for movie goers that have read the novel and want to see their adaptation come to life. Also because this novel was so well made by Dan Brown by watching the movie you should later on read the novel to experience the best of The Da Vinci Code.
But the question for The Da Vinci Code is could it be able to hang on next week with the much anticipated Marvel superhero adaptation X-Men 3: the Last Stand?
Disappointing film - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The Da Vinci Code is one of my favorite books, and after learning that Tom Hanks and Ron Howard were going to make a film version, I thought it would be a sure-fire winner. I was very wrong.
First of all, this is the first movie where I did not like Tom Hanks. His facial expression, one of perpetually exacerbated befuddlement, never leaves his face. His character had zero personality, down to the stripping of the famous Langdon tweed coat in the book to a boring suit in the film. And his character had zero chemistry with Sofie.
Secondly, the film itself had a constantly dark and mundane theme to it. The book, to me, was an epic adventure. In contrast, the movie had more of a feel of John Travolta's 'Battlefield Earth' than it did 'Indiana Jones.' While the visuals were at times interesting, overall the constant spinning and blending images together in an effort to portray Langdon's deciphering of the puzzles, to me, ultimately detracted from the film's central characters.
I would not recommend anyone who enjoyed the book as much as I did to see it on the silver screen. You're better off waiting until it comes out on DVD. Maybe if you've never read the book and don't plan to, it would be worth watching.
Maybe confusing for those who didn't read the book - The Da Vinci Code Reviews
The first three quarters of the film is faithful to the Dan Brown bestseller. Hanks looked uncertain as Langdon. Tautou didn't have the green eyes of Agent Neveu but she is still riveting. Her character makes you forget she was Amelie in her previous film. Mckellen and Reno are equally and expectedly superb. But the most astonishing revelation in the film is Bettany as Silas. You will not forget those eyes...
The story is a bit confusing for those who did not read the book. And some very important details were left out or disappointingly changed at the last quarter of the film. But all in all, the film delivers and satisfies. It was also very careful not to delve too much on the religious aspect of the story; to appease the Opus Dei perhaps?
Whether you're Catholic or not, the film is worth watching. And don't forget all characters in the film are fictitious...
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