Alysha S
"The Da Vinci Code" is a greatly compelling adventure dripping in intriguing references to history and religion. The dark shots immensely supplement the story's nature as well.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/16/25
Full Review
Gerald P
Alright, buckle up for an epic journey through the absurdity that is **"The Da Vinci Code."** This film, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, is a labyrinth of convoluted plot twists, pseudo-intellectual babble, and enough historical inaccuracies to make a history professor weep.
Our adventure begins in the dimly lit halls of the Louvre, where the curator Jacques Saunière is found murdered in a pose that looks like he was auditioning for a particularly avant-garde modern art piece. Enter Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist who is apparently the only person in the world capable of deciphering the curator's dying message. Langdon's furrowed brow and serious demeanor suggest a man burdened by the weight of the world's most baffling crossword puzzle.
Joining Langdon is Sophie Neveu, a French cryptologist with an expression that oscillates between confusion and mild annoyance, which mirrors that of the audience. Together, they embark on a frenetic scavenger hunt across Paris and beyond, following a trail of cryptic clues that Saunière conveniently left behind. These clues, hidden in famous artworks and historical landmarks, make you wonder if Saunière spent his entire life setting up an elaborate game of "Where's Wally?" for the day he’d inevitably be murdered.
As Langdon and Sophie dash from one iconic location to another, we are treated to a barrage of expositional dialogue that is as dry as the Sahara. Langdon's endless monologues on symbology and ancient conspiracies are delivered with such gravitas that you almost forget how ludicrous the plot is. It's like listening to a lecture from your least favorite professor, but with more car chases and fewer bathroom breaks.
The plot twist arrives with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. It turns out that the true villain is not some shadowy secret society, but Sir Leigh Teabing, played by Ian McKellen. Teabing's grand plan is to reveal that Jesus Christ had a living descendant, which he believes will revolutionize the world. However, this revelation falls flat, feeling more like a damp squib than an earth-shattering bombshell. McKellen's portrayal teeters between over-the-top hamminess and a misguided attempt at profundity, leaving the audience wondering if they're watching a thriller or an unintentional comedy.
Visually, the film has its moments. The sweeping shots of Paris, the intricate details of the Louvre and Roslyn Chaple are genuinely stunning, providing a feast for the eyes. However, these moments of visual splendor are few and far between and often overshadowed by jarring CGI effects that look like they were created using early 1990s technology. The juxtaposition of beautiful real-world locations with hokey digital effects creates a disjointed viewing experience that is as bewildering as the film's plot.
As the narrative progresses, the pacing becomes increasingly erratic. Moments of supposed tension are quickly deflated by unnecessary exposition and Langdon's penchant for over-explaining everything. The film lurches from one set piece to the next, with each new revelation feeling more contrived than the last. By the time we reach the film's climax, any sense of suspense has long since evaporated, leaving the audience to marvel at the sheer audacity of the storyline.
Tom Hanks, ever the consummate professional, does his best to bring some semblance of credibility to the role of Langdon. However, his efforts are hampered by a script that often reads like a parody of itself. Hanks' earnest delivery of lines about ancient symbols and secret societies only serves to highlight the absurdity of the plot, making it difficult to take any of it seriously. Audrey Tautou, as Sophie, spends most of the film looking as though she'd rather be anywhere else, her character reduced to a series of reaction shots and damsel-in-distress moments.
The supporting cast is a mixed bag, with some performances veering into unintentional comedy territory. Paul Bettany's portrayal of Silas, the albino monk assassin, is particularly noteworthy for its sheer over-the-top nature. Silas spends much of the film whipping himself in acts of penitence, a character trait that is both bizarre and vaguely uncomfortable to watch. Meanwhile, Jean Reno's gruff portrayal of Captain Fache, the dogged police officer chasing Langdon and Sophie, adds a touch of unintentional humor to the proceedings. Reno's performance is so stern and serious that it feels as though he's wandered in from a different movie altogether.
In conclusion, The Da Vinci Code is a film that tries to be a gripping mystery thriller but ends up being an unintentionally hilarious mess. Its ambition is commendable, but its execution is a hodgepodge of half-baked ideas, overwrought exposition, and plot twists that are more laughable than shocking. If you're in the mood for a good, scathing review, this movie is your golden ticket. Just remember to bring your decoder ring, a large pinch of salt, and a healthy sense of humor. Enjoy the hilarity!
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
01/28/25
Full Review
Sophia D
Having not read the book I was coming in blind. I was pleasantly surprised. I do love a good treasure hunt movie and there are a lot of moments based in truth. It was interesting to see how they twisted history and brought in an interesting theory about Christianity. I am not religious so a lot of connotation was lost on me but I am an art historian so I enjoyed how deeply they got into certain clues and figures of the past. I enjoyed the writing and who doesn't love a good treasure hunt. I will say there was nothing that surprised me throughout the movie. I did expect every twist that they have tried surprising the audience with. I think it wasn't bad and had a unique premise. There were moments where it lagged and really focused on figures that not all of the audience could relate with but I did enjoy it. I think it is worth the watch if you enjoy a good treasure hunt.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/26/25
Full Review
Gerard B
A good movie and worth watching.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/23/25
Full Review
Ionut M
Perfect Movie to watch if you are interested in secrets of the past, and interesting history of Jesus Christ!!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/21/25
Full Review
William B
What a mess of movie. I can't believe they dared to make a sequel.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
01/20/25
Full Review
Read all reviews
Continue with Google
>
