Review: The Da Vinci Code

Posted by: Tom Milroy  •  May 19, 2006 @ 11:59am

Filed under: Reviews

When I read novels, and I admit it's not that often, I have a habit of wondering who would best play the character on screen. Although I wasn't thinking Tom Hanks when I read The Da Vinci Code, Rob Schneider didn't come to mind either. Hanks fits the role of Robert Langdon just about right. Audrey Tautou is Sophie, his partner in this mystery.

Some reviews of The Da Vinci Code have complained that it sticks too close to the book, and that is valid, in a way. There's an awful lot of talk and not much action, but that's fine. After all, it's Tom Hanks talking.

This is the third time Hanks has worked with director Ron Howard. Splash and Apollo 13 are the other two (they work together every 11 years).

The plot of Code goes like this: A secret society is trying to keep a huge secret â€" Jesus and Mary Magdelene had a kid and the bloodline continues to this day. That's why the novel and movie are said to be "controversial". There are some fine actors in supporting roles, including Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, and Jean Reno.

You don't have to read the novel to enjoy this movie, but judging by sales of The Da Vanci Code, most people have.

By the way, I'm fairly sure Clint Howard is not in this movie. Let me know if you see him.