I had to see The Da Vinci Code earlier rather than later so I could draw my own conclusions, rather than allow the critics any sway. Film reviewers are nasty buggers sometimes. Also I was a bit stir crazy on Saturday and craved distraction.

The Da Vinci Code phenomena reveals just how clever Dan Brown is. Setting his tale in a medium that lends itself to endless discussion, conspiratorial posturing, and religious backlash, elevates the story far beyond his capabilities as a story teller. It’s more than a novel or movie; it’s an event. Thus, it’s not necessary for the execution to be amazing, provided the premise engages the audience and the ball never stops rolling. And at both it does well.

Overall the movie is a good adaptation of the novel, though it’s possible to enjoy the movie cold, without reading the book. The Wife confirmed that theory. And now the story…

A Harvard scholar finds himself the main suspect in a murder investigation where the victim left clues exposing a 2,000 year old conspiracy: did Jesus and Mary Magdalene marry? His odyssey takes him and a sidekick to important historical sites all over Europe decoding anagrams and symbols while chasing leads. Even briefer, this a why-they-done-it, rather than a who-done-it.

What works:
1) Content. The best plot points from the novel made it to the screen.
2) Pacing. As the novel, the story moves.
3) Casting. Looked and sounded about right.

What needs improvement:
1)Sophie – the most important character – is muted, and lacked the depth she had in the book. Partly the fault lies with the medium, films make characterization very difficult. But a weak Sophie makes a weaker story.
2)Dialog – not exactly Dan Brown’s strong point, what the mind tolerates on the written page is painful on the screen. Oh yes, there are howlers.
3)More narrative, less chatter. From the blueprint of the novel, the movie inherited quite a few points that might have been better shown, instead of told. What works on the page does not always work on screen. To the director’s credit, there are many moments where he accomplishes so much visually. So much so I believe he could have done it more consistently and frequently.
4)Ending. Lame. Like the book.

Verdict: Matinee so you can brag at the water cooler. DVD rental if you can bear the wait.