The DaVinci Code (DVD, 2006, 2-Disc Set, Special Edition, Full Frame Edition)

The Da Vinci Code is the controversial movie directed by Ron Howard and based on the best-selling Dan Brown novel that has made Mr. Brown a multi-millionaire and at the same time, angered Christians and Catholics around the world. The movie is sure to do the same. In the movie, Tom Hanks plays Robert Langdon, an American professor trapped in Paris after he is considered the prime suspect in the murder of a prominent French curator and historian. With the help of Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), Langdon manages to elude the police and begins to follow a series of hidden codes and puzzles that lead him to an ancient secret that a mysterious society has been hiding for more than 2000 years. If revealed this secret will shake the very foundation upon which Christianity and Catholicism have been built.

I have to admit I went into The Da Vinci Code fully knowing the negative buzz that has suddenly surrounded the movie in the last 24 hours following its screening at Cannes. Nevertheless, I went into the movie with a fairly open mind and really wanting to like this movie.

Unfortunately, for a movie with so much publicity, so much promise and so much hype surrounding it, Da Vinci is fairly disappointing. It's a tough book to tackle. There's a lot going on here and a lot that needs to be translated to the screen. But I'll tell ya, I read the book and there were parts of the movie I still found confusing. Between all the different characters, the subtitles, the flashbacks, the pointing guns, the cryptic messages, the prolonged dialogue, and Hanks' humoungous noggin, I'm not too sure how someone who hasn't read the book can totally follow what is happening. There are characters in the book who are central figures, yet in the movie, just seemed like a waste of film and make-up (ie. Alfred Molina's Bishop Aringarosa). The movie certainly seems to lack the urgency that exists in the book. And then there's Tom Hanks, who generally is one of my favourite actors and one of the best of our generation and he just seems to play the entire movie in a monotone, unexcited sort of fashion, despite his long, flowing hair and his acting does not stand out like we are accustomed to him doing.

Overall, I have to say that The Da Vinci Code does not live up to the high expectations it seems to have set for itself. The movie has received an extraordinary amount of publicity and in most cases, this would be a studio's dream. It should be interesting to see how this attention translates into box office dollars. There are millions and millions of religious folk who will not see this movie based on its anti-Christian and anti-Catholic premise and that is their right. Hopefully, a lot of them will take the high road and turn the other cheek because protesting will just encourage others to see the movie. Not that I'm against people seeing Da Vinci but wouldn't that just sabatoge the purpose of their protests? Because from what I'm seeing on the news and reading in the papers, there are going to be protests. Heck, I don't even blame them for being upset considering the movie claims the man upon which their entire religious belief is based was nothing more than a mere mortal who also happened to be married. Mr. Brown should be happy that most Christians and Catholics will turn the other cheek and not react like a handful of people did when a certain book written by a fellow named Salman Rushdie was published.

As a Christian. seeking the mysteries of unknown within our Faith, this movie presents a challenge: a challenge for us to think, reflect and come to terms with what is important to each of us. The book was definitely a page-turner..once on film, it does lose some its 'punch'. None-the-less..Ron Howard and cast get in our face about what Christianity may or may not be to us respectively : IT IS ABOUT HOW DEAR WE HOLD OUR FAITH. DO WE DARE CHALLENGE OTHER BELIEFS AND THEORIES? No matter how devout we may be..this movie (and the book more so) moves us to look within and embraCE OR DEFLECT WHAT WE READ AND SEE..In the case of the movie..it does get in your face and we need to be strong in our faith, rather than throw stones..:Da Vinci Code is a perspective, theories,opinions..we all have them. There is always a sense of 'maybe' or'what if'..this movie is NOT doctrine..getting bent out of shape may indicate that we are threatened rather than being truly 'thinking, reflective"' human beings. That is how we were created./I believe the movie (and book) present a wonderful challenge for us to re-examine where we stand in our faith. It (movie)is a well presented piece of history, theory and wonder...not dogma 'We often seek to 'touch the face of GOD'. When one is challenged to look 'beyond' for enlightenment or perspective..I have noted many to rebel..the old "How dare you!" attitude.This was a marvelous work, encouraging us on the sub-level to look at who we are and our relationship with a being we believe to be OUR Father. The 'secret' society (OPUS DEI..and many, many more) is alive and well, into the 21st century..why is that? This work has stirred up many feelings..these need to be examined'not brushed of as 'Hollywood' or a just a good read. The Da Vinci Code raises questions..and doubts and a measure of intrigue to liver out and pursue our Christianity even further..after all...as long as we continue to be human..doubt and questions about any subject or belief, will continue to be challenge us.This work was just one of many. It was very well presented on screen (and in the book). It has served a purpose. Maybe some can get out of the laid back approach about our beliefs, religion, and being devout..like going to church on Sundays (for those who may still indulge in church-going) This work may have a purpose to renew and become strong in one's beliefs..be they (beliefs) what they are. No one can take that right away from you; nor do we have the right to throw stones at another's others views, beliefs or opinions (Mary Magdalene would a good laugh at our behavior). Watch the movie; read the book; don't take offense..rather, oen your mind and allow yourself to come away with a renewed purpose to look at what each one of us believes and cherishes. Cling to that and live it.
My view is this: BRAVO to Dan Brown and Ron Howard to test our strengthen in what we hold dear and precious in our spiritual life.

With so many centuries of hidden knowledge, cults, sects, and Christianity-shattering secrets involved, this may have been confusing to those not acquainted with the book, but Howard and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman ingeniously weave the myriad layers into a true thrill ride. This is so true -- I really did enjoy seeing Tom in the movie -- a nice get away from the comedies!!

I've read the Da Vinci code book two times and enjoyed reading it both times. The book is fast paced and draws the reader into the chase to find the clues. Dan Brown's writing style keeps the reader enthralled in this adventure and never gives a lull in the story.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the movie. While the movie is faithful to the book, it just doesn't have the same sense of urgency that you feel in the book. The movie seems to just drag on and at points, I was pretty bored.

I wouldn't say this isn't a good movie, it just isn't as good as the book. Maybe a different director than Ron Howard could have produced a movie that was more fast paced and faithful to the original book. This movie is worth watching, I'm just not sure its one that I'm going to add to my DVD collection.

I bought the DVD because I read the book but couldn't make it to the movies..
Once again , as I have always though , and maybe you too , NEVER read the book and then see the movie!See the movie and THEN read the book.
I liked the movie though I thought it was a bit too long. I had a hard time seeing Tom Hanks play Robert Langdon , the main character. Audrey Tauton who played Sophie Neveu was a fresh actress that I have never seen. She was good in her role which is huge.
Though directed by Ron Howard , he just could not cram all the information in the book and put it on the screen.
If you have not read the book , then definitely go see it and read the book after. For those of us who have read the book , the movie has a lot of missing info that was in the book , but give it a try!