To begin with, its not easy to adapt a book onto the screen for anyone. Directors do succeed but the essence of the novel’s magic lies in words on paper. However hard Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg or Ron Howard try. They’ll make outstanding adaptations but they’ll never match up to the book. Taking this fact as a premise, one can watch ’The Da Vinci Code’ with an open mind and the movie wont let you down.

Dan Brown’s Globalized novel is a murder mystery at the Louvre museum in Paris which reveals a sinister secret, through clues hidden in leonardo da vinci’s art, Europe’s monuments and Christian history.Robert Langdon, a Professor of Religious symbology is falsely implicated for the murder but manages to escape along with the victim’s granddaughter and together they’re on a chase to unravel the mystery behind the murder and the secret that can shake the Christian Church’s foundations.

The adaptation is indeed laudable. It is a 150 min movie but it is intriguing with suspense all the way (even if you’ve read the novel). Screenwriter Akira Goldsman’s (who along with Ron Howard gave us ’A Beautiful Mind’) screenplay is the strength of the film. Ron Howard masterfully depicts all that is required and can be depicted in the movie and yet provides the audience with an entertaining thriller. Not a minute in the film is a drag and if u’ve read the book then you’d be appeased with the fact that the essential parts are all in.
Yes the movie is loquacious at times but thats the requirement of the story. But its not entirely unnecessary like in the MATRIX Sequels. it gives you an important insight into the real plot which has been the topic for controversies and debates.

Cinematography is excellent with great special effects that take you back in time to the crusades and other historical events. The background score by the Maestro Hans Zimmer provides the much needed impact in the film especially during the scenes where revelations are made about the secrets.
Ron Howard has gathered an ensemble cast for this film. Tom Hanks playing the calm yet intense-at-times Robert Langdon, is good but one would wonder whether or not he really suits the role at times when he cracks a code or does some deep thinking. Audrey Tautou (of Amelie) plays the role of Sophie very well. There couldn’t have been any better casting. Until we come to meet Ian Mckellan who plays Leigh Teabing. He is simply outstanding in his role with powerful dialogue delivery and great understanding of the character of the scholar that he plays. Jean Reno playing the French cop is brilliant as usual and Paul Bettany (seen somewhere before) playing Silas is intensely brilliant.

The film is by no means a let down for those who’ve read the book. Let alone those who have no idea about the story. They’re definitely in for a cracker of a thriller. It doesnt bore at any point of time and even with its 150 min length, is quite fast paced. Direction is slick and the screenplay sticks firmly to the novel.
The Da Vinci Code is definitely worth watching for all reasons and its worth it even if you go just for the hype that surrounds it. (The unnecessary hype created by insecure believers).
Rightly said by Hanks, ’The only thing that matters is what you believe in’.

- 8.886 on a scale of 1-10.

Plot Revealed In The Review:	Somewhat revealed
Best to watch with:	Friends
Movie Genre:	No Comment
Best part in the movie:	No Comment