THE DA VINCI CODE

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Should you take the kids? Not unless they're 15 or older. This movie contains lots of disturbing scenes, including one where a monk flogs himself in order to feel the pain that Jesus felt. For more info, see "Bringing the Kids" below.

THE STORY: In Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is summoned to the Louvre one night to help with the investigation of murdered curator, Jacques Sanuiere (Jean-Pierre Marielle). When Langdon gets there, he's greeted by Inspector Fache (Jean Reno), who leads him through the darkened museum to the crime scene. The curator has been shot and is strewn out on the floor in a strange, spread-eagle position. His wounds, though fatal, left him just enough time to strip himself, cover his body with symbols written in his own blood, and write out a coded message on the floor.

Also on the scene is Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), a French policewoman who's also the murdered curator's granddaughter, though they hadn't spoken in years. Sophie cleverly informs Langdon that he's in danger, that the police think HE committed the murder. The two set off on an adventure that leads them to a private bank vault, the French estate of Langdon's friend, Sir Leigh Teabing (Ian McKellen), the Temple Church in London, and an ancient Templar church in Britain – all the while being chased by the French police.

A sub-plot involves a Catholic cardinal, Bishop Aringarosa (Alfred Molina) and a creepy albino monk named Silas (Paul Bettany), working under the direction of The Teacher, a mysterious figure at the center of a conspiracy to conceal the location of the Holy Grail. Also involved are members of Opus Dei, a society of Catholics who, the story says, are harboring an ancient secret that could destroy the church.

THE WRAP-UP: It's really interesting to read other reviews and see how widely we all vary in our thoughts. I thought this movie was entertaining, though a bit long, with a good mix of talking, flashbacks, suspense, and characters. Tom Hanks has been described as "dowdy" in other reviews, but I thought he played a great Harvard professor – his character IS a bit dowdy, after all. Audrey Tautou is beautiful and thoughtful, Jean Reno gruff and direct, and Ian McKellen plays the fanatical Grail-seeking scholar to the hilt.

I loved the settings of ancient churches, creepy museums, and the French and British countrysides. It's also fascinating, though a bit unrealistic, to see how Langdon and Sophie decode the symbols and messages. I kind of doubt they'd be able to follow such a convoluted treasure hunt. Then again, this is a movie, not a documentary. In short, I was thoroughly entertained and only looked at my watch a couple of times.

BRINGING THE KIDS:

PRESCHOOLERS (ages 2-5): This movie is NOT for little ones! There are lots of disturbing scenes, including the albino monk practicing self-flagellation (he flogs himself with a switch and wears a tight spiky thing around his legs that causes him to bleed. I believe this is done to emulate the pain that Jesus endured, but don't quote me on that). The murder scene is grisly, although they filmmakers don't dwell on it, and one sinister flashback shows Sanuiere having sex with a woman while robed, chanting people look on.

GRADE-SCHOOLERS (ages 6 - 10): This movie is NOT for grade-schoolers! See comments in Preschoolers, above.

TWEEN / TEEN (ages 11+): I think this movie is ok for teens aged 15 and older. Aside from the intense scenes already mentioned, it's an intriguing story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you've read the book (or, in my case, listened to the audiobook), you'll watch to see how closely they follow the book (fairly well, in my opinion). If you haven't read the book, you'll watch to see what happens next.

SCORE: 3 out of 4 Reels

Jane's Reel Rating System:
One Reel: Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it.
Two Reels: Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.
Three Reels: Thought-provoking. Something to talk about.
Four Reels: Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

E-chat with me at jane@reellifewithjane.com - I LOVE to talk about movies!

Read my other reviews here.