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Da Vinci Code PosterTHE DA VINCI CODE (PG-13)

Plot Summary: When the curator of the Louvre is found dead, an American professor stumbles onto mysteries that threaten to change both history and religion as the world knows it.

Reason for the Rating: Disturbing images, violence, some nudity, thematic material, brief drug references and sexual content.

Living up to expectations. Wow…that’s a pretty loaded concept, in every area of life. It seems that the higher our expectations are of something, the better chance there is that we will be disappointed. Movies are no exception, and when a movie is as hyped as THE DA VINCI CODE, it’s bound to disappoint somebody. Well, that somebody would be me.

But before I really get into what I thought about the movie, I feel like I have to be honest. I was one of those people who decided to read the book by Dan Brown before seeing the movie, so it’s almost inevitable that I would be a bit disappointed with the manner in which a 400 + page book was shrunk down into a movie. There’s probably no realistic way the movie could have lived up to my expectations. That being said, though, I think most people—even people who haven’t read the book—have certain expectations about this movie. And my opinion is that THE DA VINCI CODE doesn’t live up to its hype.

The Da Vinci Code Movie Stills: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Ron HowardIt’s not that the movie is exceptionally bad. It’s definitely made well from an cinematic standpoint. Director Ron Howard knows how to deliver quality movies, and he does it this time as well. The film also has a decent plot concept. Tom Hanks plays Robert Langdon, an American professor who finds his life in danger when he becomes framed for murder in Paris. Because of this and the fast-paced series of events that follow, he finds himself trying frantically to solve the mystery of the Holy Grail, escape arrest, and not get killed numerous times, all with the help of Sophie, a French detective played by Audrey Tautou. This basic plotline provides plenty of suspenseful moments, and there is a steady level of action throughout the film. It’s enough to keep an audience interested and even jumpy at times (though it may be a little intense for younger viewers).

The problem with THE DA VINCI CODE is that it’s nothing really special. It’s your run-of-the-mill summer popcorn flick…not bad, but certainly not what you’d expect from a movie and book that have generated the overwhelming amount of buzz that they have. Sadly, this movie could be any suspense movie; same formulas, same chase scenes, same character types.        

And, unexpectedly, the worst thing about THE DA VINCI CODE is the acting. Yep, Tom Hanks appears to have phoned it in this time, and Tautou is remarkably flat in her role as well. Maybe this is because they really don’t have much decent dialogue to work with, but considering the fact that their lives are supposedly being threatened at every turn and the fact that they’re on the verge of solving one of the world’s greatest mysteries, you’d think they might manage to muster up a little more excitement. The best acting comes from Paul Bettany (as an albino assassin) and Ian McKellen. (as a gleefully mischievous scholar). Both of these actors give their characters life and make them exciting; the whole movie could use more of their type of acting

The Da Vinci Code Movie Stills: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Ron HowardOf course, ignoring the religious controversy sparked by THE DA VINCI CODE would be like ignoring the big, pink elephant in the room. However, digging into the controversy here almost feels to me like I’d be creating an elephant. That’s because the movie really doesn’t get too caught up in the religious drama, at least not to the extent that it could. Again, it doesn’t meet expectations. (Although in this case, that’s probably a good thing!) The Catholic Church is supposedly quite involved in the movie’s big cover-up, and the idea that Christ was mortal and a father does play a part in the plot. But the movie never really becomes preachy about these things, and Tom Hanks’s character often seems to defend the Church through the arguments and explanations he offers. It’s a difficult call to make. Some people may indeed find the movie to be offensive and even blasphemous. Some may think it’s just another adventure movie with religious themes. I suppose that’s part of the story’s original appeal. There’s no way the book would have sold as many copies as it did if the plot didn’t have such weighty themes. I think the movie is the same way, and each person will have to decide for himself or herself how much it matters.        

Overall, I’d say THE DA VINCI CODE is a decent movie, but one that is way overhyped. If I had seen it without all the pre-release buzz about it, I would likely have found it to be more interesting and entertaining, though.

FAMILYFANS RECOMMENDS: Unless you’ve just got to see what all the hype is about, wait to rent this movie on DVD so you can really discuss it afterward.

AFTER THE SHOW: 

  • What aspects of this movie do you think might be based on fact?

  • Which aspects are most likely based on fiction?

  • Why is it important that we know the difference?

  • How can you use themes found in this movie to start a discussion about the Christian faith with your kids?

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