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May 22, 2006

The Da Vinci Code: My Thoughts

So I saw the most hyped movie of the year (based on the most hyped novel in the last three years) on Saturday night. And I walked out of the movie - much like most of the people I have talked to about it - thinking, "Okay. It was actually a pretty decent movie. What was all the controversy about again?" Okay, I am not diminishing the controversy with some Christian groups, but think about it: there are dozens of horror movies that are released each year that are a thousand times more controversial in nature (Um, an updated version of "The Omen" is on its way to the big screen looking pretty devilish - yet I wonder if it will get the same response from the same Christians who boycotted 'Da Vinci.'), and where have the picket lines been? I mean, seriously, I don't remember people boycotting Arnold Schwarzenegger in "End of Days."

I admit, I enjoyed the book. I guess I went in with the understanding that it was a novel (and the points in the beginning that Mr. Brown claims as being "fact" are simply the two secret societies - Opus Dei and the Priory of Sion - both of which actually exist or have existed - and the European locations the book takes place in - that's a far cry from a novelist claiming an entire murder mystery caper is actually true), and it was an enjoyable one. Did it leave me convinced of a Holy bloodline? No. But then, I stopped and realized that even if - hypothetically - Jesus were married and had a family (which technically the Bible never states DIDN'T happen, and as Brown's book does state, would have been worth noting if it had been that way since it was uncharacteristic of the time and culture), it still doesn't change how I view Christ and his message.

My question about the 'divinity' argument. If - hypothetically - Jesus wasn't actually divine, and further, fathered children,...where does the "Holy" bloodline (or "Holy" grail) come in? Will someone explain that to me? Mr. Brown didn't exactly explain that.

I actually thought the movie was pretty decent (although it did leave a lot out of the book), though not nearly as impressive as Howard's 2005 drama (which I thought was worthy of MANY Academy Awards) "Cinderella Man."

I do have one serious problem with Howard's new film: WHERE WAS CLINT HOWARD? Clint's supposed to be present in every single Ron Howard film. Where was he in 'Da Vinci?'

:: The-Da-Vinci-Code, Ron-Howard, Da-Vinci, Tom-Hanks, Clint-Howard

23:00 Posted in Film | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email this

Comments

Hm, I heard the critics really dissed the film in Cannes, my friend was there reporting, and he sort of dissed it too. I'm probably gonna see it, though. Haven't read the book, and have been thinking about it - but no. Far to much other stuff to do. I'm sorry to say, because I'd really like to read it. Oh time - Where does it fly? =)

Posted by: Mathias | May 23, 2006