"The DaVinci Code"
Yes, it's time for the fabulous return of....
MOVIE REVIEWS! (Cherry Theme Music Plays)
To start off the summer blockbusters season, Ron Howard's "The DaVinci Code," based off the Dan Brown book of the same name, seemed like a great way to put things in full drive. For those of you who live under a rock and haven't heard about the controversial nature of the film (and book, for that matter), there have been some religious groups upset by the content of the story, namely a few details here and there that could shatter the Catholic Church and Christianity as we know it.
But I digress.
What is the story about? I found myself watching it as a quest for the Holy Grail. The film starts out with the murder of Louvre cureator Jacques Sauniere, and Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), a symbologist from Harvard, is brought in to help decipher some unusual elements of the murder scene. What he doesn't know is he's the prime suspect for the murder. Enter the beautiful, intelligent agent Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), whose crafty skills allow her to inform Langdon of the mark placed on him by the lead investigator, Bezu Fache (Jean Reno). Together, newly matched Neveu and Langdon uncover clues that throw them into the middle of a grail quest, while narrowly escaping the clutches of the French authorities and an albino monk named Silas (Paul Bettany).
Although this film was greeted at Cannes with laughter, this film was one of the most anticipated releases of the summer. Its high energy and action-filled sequences entertain the audience from beginning to end. I always find it is difficult to keep someone engaged when exposition is needed; however, in the multiple scenes necessary to explain the complex historical aspects of the story I was never bored. In fact, these scenes filled mostly with dialogue were executed very well, using a combination of special effects and actors' talents to take the audience into the setting of whatever historical event discussed.
When watching epic adventurers, I find that the action and story are usually more compelling to watch unfold than the performances given by the cast. However, it is always truly enjoyable to view a film where every performer is on top of their game. Hanks is someone I have grown up watching. From his early comedies to his award-winning dramas, Hanks brings a freshness to every role without losing the familiarity he is loved for; although I knew I was seeing Tom Hanks, Robert Langdon was brought to life and I felt as if I'd known him forever.
This film has a phenomenal cast: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellan, Jean Reno, Paul Bettany and Alfred Molina give outstanding performances. I particularly love Ian McKellan (see "X-Men III" review for more) as he gives an amazing performance in everything he does. But the story behind the film is what really gives it the substance and strength necessary to make it worth seeing. I urge everyone I know to put aside any worries they may have about the controversial nature of the film and go see it for the pure entertainment value it delivers.
MOVIE REVIEWS! (Cherry Theme Music Plays)
To start off the summer blockbusters season, Ron Howard's "The DaVinci Code," based off the Dan Brown book of the same name, seemed like a great way to put things in full drive. For those of you who live under a rock and haven't heard about the controversial nature of the film (and book, for that matter), there have been some religious groups upset by the content of the story, namely a few details here and there that could shatter the Catholic Church and Christianity as we know it.
But I digress.
What is the story about? I found myself watching it as a quest for the Holy Grail. The film starts out with the murder of Louvre cureator Jacques Sauniere, and Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), a symbologist from Harvard, is brought in to help decipher some unusual elements of the murder scene. What he doesn't know is he's the prime suspect for the murder. Enter the beautiful, intelligent agent Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), whose crafty skills allow her to inform Langdon of the mark placed on him by the lead investigator, Bezu Fache (Jean Reno). Together, newly matched Neveu and Langdon uncover clues that throw them into the middle of a grail quest, while narrowly escaping the clutches of the French authorities and an albino monk named Silas (Paul Bettany).
Although this film was greeted at Cannes with laughter, this film was one of the most anticipated releases of the summer. Its high energy and action-filled sequences entertain the audience from beginning to end. I always find it is difficult to keep someone engaged when exposition is needed; however, in the multiple scenes necessary to explain the complex historical aspects of the story I was never bored. In fact, these scenes filled mostly with dialogue were executed very well, using a combination of special effects and actors' talents to take the audience into the setting of whatever historical event discussed.
When watching epic adventurers, I find that the action and story are usually more compelling to watch unfold than the performances given by the cast. However, it is always truly enjoyable to view a film where every performer is on top of their game. Hanks is someone I have grown up watching. From his early comedies to his award-winning dramas, Hanks brings a freshness to every role without losing the familiarity he is loved for; although I knew I was seeing Tom Hanks, Robert Langdon was brought to life and I felt as if I'd known him forever.
This film has a phenomenal cast: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellan, Jean Reno, Paul Bettany and Alfred Molina give outstanding performances. I particularly love Ian McKellan (see "X-Men III" review for more) as he gives an amazing performance in everything he does. But the story behind the film is what really gives it the substance and strength necessary to make it worth seeing. I urge everyone I know to put aside any worries they may have about the controversial nature of the film and go see it for the pure entertainment value it delivers.
posted by Sarah Elizabeth @ 10:15 AM
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