I saw this opening night in a packed theater. Showed up over a half hour early and barely got a seat.
Keep in mind I have not read the book, so you won't find any comparisons here. This is strait about the movie. And if you don't know what it's about, then check out a few other threads here.
The flick starts out quick enough. Hanks plays a Harvard smarty pants who teaches/lectures/studies symbology. He's in Paris pimping his book when these cops ask him to check out a dead body in the Louver with some creepy writing on it. Enter the cutie French girl who warns Hanks it's a trap and the chase is on with these two trying to outwit French police, a crazy albino assassin who's having his strings pulled by a twisted religious group, all the while they're piecing together clues that invariably leads them to search for the Holy Grail.
What I liked: the pacing, the overall plot, Ian McKellan's character, Langdon's skepticism, Sophie's innocence, albino craziness, cool grainy flashbacks, thought provoking implications, interesting points, fun story telling.
What I did not like: It's not the most intriguing or suspenseful mystery. Hanks portrayal was a little stale, flat, unemotional for the most part. The pieces seemed to fall into place a little easy. The twists were visible from around the corner and down the street.
I would say this movie is good but not great. I enjoyed it. When it was over, I literally said "that is what everyone is losing their mind over?" When Teabring was laying out his Holy Grail theory, Langdom was very critical over it. Also, the Opus Dei characters were working alone. Everyone involved had their own agenda. It does not implicate the Church in anything.
I discussed the movie with my girlfriend at length, although we've talked about the subject material many times before. She is one of the most open minded Catholics you'll ever meet and gave me a lot of insight into what the book and movie mean.
Overall, I give it a: B
I don't want to go off on a rant here...
But what I find very interesting is how these ideas spark such a rash of anger, hatred and close-mindedness. In a world of ever evolving knowledge and truth it is very ironic that some things have not changed- the powers that be, the keepers of the key, those who control for billions what God is still spoon feed what to believe and shovel down your throat what not to believe. Religious rhetoric and men with pointy hats should never, ever control what anyone believes or how they feel. It is important to find the truth in all things, especially that which challenges your core beliefs. Knowledge is limitless, it's a journey not limited to a book or a sermon that could be re-interpreted or skewed to showcase a posthumous edict of a religious icon shaking his finger from two thousand years ago. Regardless of who or what you pray to, the universal truth is that knowledge is power and those who control the knowledge control the power.
If you read the book...I find about the only true "conspiracy" gibberish in the book is Dan Brown's description of Knights Templar. He portrays these crazies as they are...not Christian...not one iota.
I find it disgusting how he describes the sex rituals as being oh so positive and wonderful...as merely a merge to the feminine goddess energy blah blah blah crapola. These rituals are not and I repeat not positive. not one iota.
HECK! said this in post #2 : But what I find very interesting is how these ideas spark such a rash of anger, hatred and close-mindedness. In a world of ever evolving knowledge and truth it is very ironic that some things have not changed- the powers that be, the keepers of the key, those who control for billions what God is still spoon feed what to believe and shovel down your throat what not to believe. Religious rhetoric and men with pointy hats should never, ever control what anyone believes or how they feel. It is important to find the truth in all things, especially that which challenges your core beliefs. Knowledge is limitless, it's a journey not limited to a book or a sermon that could be re-interpreted or skewed to showcase a posthumous edict of a religious icon shaking his finger from two thousand years ago. Regardless of who or what you pray to, the universal truth is that knowledge is power and those who control the knowledge control the power.
-HECK!
Geez Heck, did you write this?
It wouldnt surprise me being that I know you want to be a writer...but I must say...if you did write this...it's exceptionally written!
I havent seen the movie yet...I was waiting for it to die down some...I did however love the book. Not just for whatever suspense was lying ahead (because as you said...it was obvious)....I loved it because of the different views it offered.
Of course thats just my opinion....I could be wrong. (Dennis Miller)
"You might be the toughest little whacker. . .but in my world, you're about as worrisome as a cloudy day." (Dutch Dooley)
It wouldnt surprise me being that I know you want to be a writer...but I must say...if you did write this...it's exceptionally written!
I havent seen the movie yet...I was waiting for it to die down some...I did however love the book. Not just for whatever suspense was lying ahead (because as you said...it was obvious)....I loved it because of the different views it offered.
Yeah, it's me... thanks for the props, was just going off on a rant.
Like I said before, I haven't read the book but can only imagine it's far better than the movie. Not trying to take anything away from the movie, which I felt was very solid.
Will be seeing this tomorrow with a large group of people and there will be a discussion group following the movie. Call me old fashioned here, I am glad it has been rated PG-13.
Indeed Heck! your post above shows great passion and intelligence on the matter.
I would have to say, that in my belief system...there is something far greater than the orb of confusion this planet is experiening at present, and also for a long time before.
I am happy to say, that whatever Higher Power, at least the Creator of all that is and will ever will be....exists in an orb much more comforting and in control than the powers that be. And if there are losers and winners in this existence, I pray that I be tuned into the larger orb where it is peaceful and calm.
Having not existed in such a realm for many years of my life and even sometimes in the present, this outside orb I will adhere to...and I do not worry or fret about the ones who believe they are in power. These people are delusional and I try not to worry about this lesser orb of confusion.
The "evidence" Teabing made for the Jesus marrying Mary Magdalene was so poor, how could anyone make an accusation that Christians should be upset about this "evidence." I laugh uproariously here.
I liked the movie for the fact that it was filmed in France and Paris is one of the most romantic, exciting beautiful cities in all the world. It's beautiful if you just ignore all the poodle poop on the sidewalks.
However, I wouldn't live there if I was under 26 years of age. The French government is forcing those under 26 to move to England for job security with their recent law.
It was a disappointment. I was supposed to be upset about this interesting story as a Christian. Laughable again.
The princess has the most beautiful dark eyes I have ever seen.
I know Lawless, but there are those of my persuation who are very upset the story was even written because they do not like the fact that alternative views are even being brought up to the milieu of discussion.
You are commenting on the review of someone you do not know very well, I believe.
I am currently reading The OTHER Bible edited by Willis Barnstone. In this book are the Ancient Alternative Scriptures, Gnostic Gospels, Dead Sea Scrolls, Visionary Wisdom Texts, Christian Apocrypha, Jewish Pseudepigrapha, and the Kabbalah. And next week the friend who loaned me this book is giving me a CD of ALL the alternative books that never made the Canon.
Many Christians would not even give the book an initial look because many feel challenged by what they do not know. I am not that person.
And the hype leading up to this really encouraged someone who believes like I do, to be upset. With all the crazy boycotts and protesting and such. I am really not that close minded and in your reply to me and in another place make it seem that you do indeed think I am close minded on the issues at hand.
I have read only a small bit of the 736 page "alternative scripture" Bible and wonder most the time...why wasn't this included? And some of the explanations that the editor put forth show me that many of these books are very right on and it makes me wonder why really they were excluded.
Again, I am sticking to my original comments, fleshed out more in lieu of your comment above.
Personally, it doesn't matter to me... I mean, if someone wants to write about Jesus belonging in a circus, then have at it. I just don't care enough to get up in arms about "religious" issues.
Whew... you think that -I- am calling you close minded? Man, lets just get personal. I don't recall it, nor do I care. You can be of whatever mind(s) you want to be. To each their own.
I can understand that people are upset because a story was written that goes against the story in the bible. But, each has their own rights to a belief, etc...
And, I'm far from being the only person who thinks like that. It's just not worth the energy to get upset over something that no one claimed was true.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
I remember your and Sherryzod reactions to Anne Rices book...how you wouldn't read it because of whatever reasons.
And in her book, she doesn't make him part of the circus, but still she was off base. And I did read about seven pages and decide that it wasn't worth my time.
That wasn't to you, nikiTa! Damn, people are too sensitive!! It's in general, to all people who are taking a STORY too f'n seriously. It's only a story, for christs sake. And like a BUNCH of people have said... if it's something that you are personally offended by, you don't have to read it, or see it. (And once again, that wasn't AIMED at you...)
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
nikiTa said this in post #13 : I remember your and Sherryzod reactions to Anne Rices book...how you wouldn't read it because of whatever reasons.
And in her book, she doesn't make him part of the circus, but still she was off base. And I did read about seven pages and decide that it wasn't worth my time.
Actually, -I- didn't have a 'reaction' to Anne Rice. I'm a fan of hers. I LOVE her books. But, I had no interest in reading that book... about Christ. Though, if she wants to write about him, it's her choice.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
05-22-2006 04:54 PM
