Pop Culture Buzz

GRADE: B-

I am a sucker for wild conspiracy theories. I have always been intrigued by the mythology that surrounds Christianity. After reading “The Da Vinci Code” and after watching the movie, you find yourself questioning the origins of Christianity as a whole. I read “Holy Blood, Holy Grail” a long time ago, so I was aware of the subject matter long before “The Code” came out. Some say “Holy Blood” is the sole source of inspiration behind Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code”. The loosely based “facts” in Dan Brown’s book are exciting, if not scary, to ponder. The captivating and scathing plot spins are fun to watch as they are played out on the creen.

The in-depth theories expressed in both the “Code” movie and book are explosive and ground breaking. The plot is intelligent and adult, which is a refreshing change for an R-rated film. The line between what is really true and what is just plain fiction, is blurry. After watching “The Da Vinci Code” you want to believe that there is more to the legend of Jesus Christ. You want to believe that there is more than just suffering, sinning and damnation in life and death.

When I first heard that this hugely popular book was being adapted for the big screen, I was a bit nervous, especially since I do not care for Ron Howard….at all. I was worried that the book would not translate well as a movie. I didn’t want the fantastical nature of the storytelling to overshadow the serious source material. So how entertaining is this movie?? “The Da Vinci Code” is actually a fun ride if you suspend disbelief and give into the adventure. I enjoyed the fast paced action scenes, the snappy writing and the attention to detail in this film. I like the plot twists “The Code” has and the way the story unfolds.

Tom Hanks’ bad hair and France’s Louvre Museum are the true stars of this film. The many shots of Tom’s hair piece and the famously gorgeous museum are awe inducing. As always Jean Reno and Audrey Tatou are great in their roles. Tom Hanks even tones down his normal over the top, sweet mannered, popular guy shtick for that of a more subdued adult performance.

What I liked most about “The Da Vinci Code” was the fast pace storytelling and that the ending was the same as it is in the book. This movie is provocative and it leaves you asking yourself if the Jesus story presented in the book/movie could have any possible shreds of truth to it? I like that there are no cheesy romances made for just cinematic appeal and effect.

This movie is fun, thrilling and it has an old school thriller feeling about it. The complaints I have about “The Da Vinci Code” are few and far between. At times you can get a bit overwhelmed by all of the facts that are constantly being thrown at you. Some of the shots and camera work are done in pure hack-ish Ron Howard style. Howard’s films usually suffer from over stylizing and amateurish camera angles. Howard doesn’t have a clearly defined directing style like that of Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese or Clint Eastwood.

This movie did a hilarious job of depicting the Catholic church like they are villains and evil monsters. I think Paul Bettany makes a HOT sadistic, albino monk. The members of Opus Dei are depicted exactly how I envisioned them to be like in real life; as nasty, ruthless hypocrites. No matter how far fetched the legend or conspiracies come off as, I actually walked away from “Code” questioning the truth behind the Jesus story. Who knows, we may never get the truth!