The DaVinci Code - movie review

I think it's only fair that I preface this review with the following...
1 - I have not read the Dan Brown book
2 - I am not religious in any way, shape or form
3 - I was not waiting for this flick with bated breath
So, when the credits did finally roll, all I can say is that I was underwhelmed and had to ask the question - "what's the big deal?"

The DaVinci Code suffered on two fronts for me: one - as a story concept it is not all that original or controversial and two - as a film it is not all that exciting. And really, if you're going to fail on these two counts then there is not much to recommend in the movie. And that was my problem. There is not much good in this Code.

I am sure that the book is intriguing. The story does weave together a fascinating theory of the Holy Grail, the Church, and Christianity in general. In a book, these elements can be explored by the reader's mind and trigger thoughts, connections, and philosophies that are key to a solid reading experience. But on the screen, these details become overlong expositions that drag at the action. Add in lacklustre direction and the entire experience is a bit of a bore.

It always seemed odd to me that Ron Howard would be chosen to direct an action drama. They are not really his forte. And in Code this is clearly evident. The action scenes consist mainly of chase sequences but as we know the main characters are never really in danger they have no threat. This leaves scene execution to create excitement but instead it falls flat and lacks emotion due to a pallette of everyday life. Scenes that are meant to trigger a response (the self-flaggelation of Silas, the curator's body) are over-drawn and feel out of place. The violence itself is jarring in both its placement and tone as if two films were smashed together. This feeling is augmented by the use of flashbacks of the characters and illustrations of the Grail legend that all use different film techniques. The intent is obviously to make a "stylish" film but instead it causes Code to be an uneven tale.

Tom Hanks is wasted here in a role that offers little room to do anything. The dialogue is pointless and offers no character insight. The character of Silas offers Paul Bettany the chance to show how icky he can be but his villain is so psycho that it is hard to feel anything for his disillusioned and manipulated soul. Audrey Tatou - with the lovely eyes and pretty smile - is forgettable. The one bright spot is Ian Mckellan who offers a convincing portrayal of a Grail fanatic and injects his long speeches with enough enthusiasm to keep the audience interested. He is, however, also telling us the most interesting theories. But as all these characters wander through the treasure hunt they never really connect. The story moves them along from plot point to plot point but they themselves are never fully realized as elements in the legend.

In the end, Code goes on too long about something not that amazing in a way that is hardly fulfilling. From my point of view, you would do better to see the last Indiana Jones film again and watch Kevin Smith's Dogma. The former offers a truly great Grail-hunters adventure. The latter actually creates some debate over the last Scion and a testing of faith. Or better yet, just read the book and let your own mind have the adventure.