The other thread got locked (don't know why) so I created this so I'd have somewhere to post this news thing I got off the net!


The most hotly-awaited movie of the year "The Da Vinci Code" failed to crack an audience of movie critics here at a sneak preview ahead of Wednesday's opening of the Cannes Film Festival.

Several whistles instead of applause were all that greeted the end of Ron Howard's 125-million-dollar film, and worse than that, the 2,000-strong audience even burst out laughing at the movie's key moment.



"I didn't like it very much. I thought it was almost as bad as the book. Tom Hanks was a zombie, thank goodness for Ian McKellen. It was overplayed, there was too much music and it was much too grandiose," said Peter Brunette, critic for the US daily The Boston Globe.

The film version of Dan Brown's mega-best selling book premieres in Cannes on Wednesday before going on worldwide release on Friday. It stars Tom Hanks as symbologist Robert Langdon, called in after the curator of the Louvre is found murdered, his body splayed out covered in symbols.

Langdon and French police cryptologist Sophie Neveu, played by French actress Audrey Tautou, find themselves ensnared in a mystifying hunt to track down the murderer and solve a 2,000-year-old riddle.

The book has already sold some 50 million copies worldwide, been translated into 44 languages and spawned a spin-off tourist industry as well as whipping up a controversy. All ingredients to ensure that it will undoubtedly draw the crowds.

The greatest controversy has been stirred by the book's central theme that Jesus Christ married and had children whose descendants still survive today.

Thus book's detractors will no doubt be comforted to hear that when Hanks reveals who is supposedly the last surviving descendant of Jesus, the Cannes audience couldn't hold back their laughter.

"At the high point, there was laughter among the journalists. Not loud laughs, but a snicker and I think that says it all," said Gerson Da Cunha from The Times of India.

Other critics said the two and a half hour film was confusing to those who hadn't read the book.

"People were confused, there was no applause, just silence," said Margherita Ferrandino from the Italian television Rai 3.

"I have only read half the book, and then I got bored. It's terrible," she added.

"It was really disappointing. The dialogue was cheesy. The acting wasn't too bad, but the film is not as good as the book," added Lina Hamchaoui, from British radio IRN.

Despite being filmed against the backdrop of some of Paris' and London's most impressive and historic buildings -- Howard was even given unprecedented permission to film inside the Louvre -- the film fails to convince, becoming more of a drama-documentary with its overuse of historic flashbacks and other devices to tell the tale.

Hanks seems to get bogged down in the interminable dialogue, whereas Tautou, so brilliant in "Amelie", fails to make an impression.

British actor Sir Ian McKellan however received plaudits for his portrayal of Holy Grail expert Sir Leigh Teabing, playing his role with the right amount of wit and humour.

And Paul Bettany is suitably menacing as a self-flagellating albino monk on a mission to kill.

The film was due to open the 59th Cannes Film Festival later Wednesday, before the real competition gets underway on Thursday, with 20 films competing this year for the coveted Palme d'Or. ---------------------

What's the source of this review?

Sounds like the writer has an axe to grind.....

No, I've been to quite a few review sites (all non-christian sites) and everone hates this film. Every review I've read the prescreening is bad.

The reviews from Cannes were bad as well, but I still have my pre-purchased tickets for 10am Friday.

I know, but I couldn't wait.

Quoted from FilmMaker06 The other thread got locked (don't know why) so I created this so I'd have somewhere to post this news thing I got off the net!

I lock certain threads when that film is near release; it is sort of pointless to post news and rumors about films when they are so close to being release.

-Zavier

just like the last 3 star wars films, critics will tear it apart and it will be one of the biggest hits of the summer, that's how these movies always seem to be, i mean the original star wars got some horrible reviews, so I don't think Ron Howard has anything to worry about,  he'll just sit back and watch the dollars roll in :)

Just because the movie makes money don't mean its good. Star wars episode I, II, and III all stunk and brought shame to Star Wars and Lucas, but of course people saw them because its Star Wars!

I think for EVENT movies, such as this, x-men, superman, the reviews will make no difference, hype alone will make them blockbusters, ever fantastic 4 was a hit and that sucked balls, I'm pretty sure the da vinci code will be entertaining none the less.

That's the biggest gripe I saw on other sites. It wasn't entertaining. It was very talky, most of the lines were corny, etc. etc. But thats just a bunch of reviewers opinions. I personally...wait...no...I think its gonna stink.

lol

-Chris

It may stink, that is a definate possibility, but it has so much hype surrounding it especially with all the boycotts and death fasts(or however u spell it), that really nothing can hurt it.  I know I like movies that critics hat like Domino, I think the only critics that like it was the ebert and roeper, as well as the passion of the christ, that got bashed, but I thought it was very good, and critics are mostly like those kids in school that complain about everything, I think a lot of them wanna be the first to bash this to look hip..lol,so if it sucks it sucks and I won't buy the dvd and let the movie die along with all the other garbage out there, if it's good, then that's good, not a waste of my $16 then.

Man, this is getting horrible reviews. Rotten Tomatoes has it at 0%. 0%!!! It makes sense though. Not a lot happens in the book at all, only in the opening scene and in the middle where a man gets poisoned. Everything else is dialogue. It's not the greatest choice to make a movie out of it. I don't know what it was doing at Cannes either. Despite the controversy, it's still a Ron Howard film starring Tom Hanks. Not exactly Cannes material if you ask me. Too Hollywood. I'll probably end up seeing anyway though :P.

I'll find out on friday how good or shitty it is.  I heard that the dialog in the book was not very good, so hopefully the screenwriter knew how to fix it up, also, I really have no idea what the movie is about, because when I hear people whine and bitch about it all they say is that you're going to hell if you go see it and that you're doing the devil's work, they give no real explanation, so I'm going in blind.

Ebert actually liked the Da Vinci code :-/

Quoted from James McClung Not a lot happens in the book at all, only in the opening scene and in the middle where a man gets poisoned. Everything else is dialogue. .

There's been successful movies that consist solely of dialogue.  Big Chill comes to mind.  Dinner at Andre's is another.  And, in my continuing crusade to whore myself, Price Check on Film Noir.


Phil

This movie looks so great, and yet, I really don't feel like using an hour or two of my day to see it...  :-/

I'm not wasting my time on it. It doesn't really look that great to me (and not just from a Christian point of view).

I wish they came out with medieval fantasy films (like Lord of the Rings) more often. And wish Peter Jackson would just dadlem make "The Hobbit" and forget about "The Lovely Bones" remake. pff

Sorry...bit off topic, but who cares.

-Chris

I totally agree with you Chris... Peter should just make 'the Hobbit' and ditch his other project.

To anyone who is considering not watching this movie due to some less than flattering reviews, all I'm going to say is:

I went to see this at 10:15 this morning. It was basically sold out. The movie went on for about two hours and twenty minutes.

No one left their seats the entire time! No one made any noise! No one was fidgeting in their seats! I think that says a lot!

So don't hesitate to go see it. It was Good.
How could it not be? Ron Howard and Tom Hanks...........
8) 8) 8)

I went to see it today too. Almost packed fully. I heard it was just all talk, talk, talk, talk and I thought I would've been sitting there bored the entire time but... it was a 2 and a half film that felt like an hour, maybe an hour and a half. It was really interesting to watch too. I haven't read the book or anything so this whole thing was new to me so... I don't know what the views are of people who've read to book. I enjoyed every minute  :D.

Quoted from tomson To anyone who is considering not watching this movie due to some less than flattering reviews, all I'm going to say is: I went to see this at 10:15 this morning. It was basically sold out. The movie went on for about two hours and twenty minutes. No one left their seats the entire time! No one made any noise! No one was fidgeting in their seats! I think that says a lot! So don't hesitate to go see it. It was Good. How could it not be? Ron Howard and Tom Hanks........... 8) 8) 8)

This sounds great! I've stated many times that I was excited about this movie, mainly because it was the first novel that I read all the way through in a long time!

I plan on seeing it this weekend. Ron Howard is a great film maker, and a lot of people accuse him of tackling "safe" projects. So what's the big deal with him taking this? This is not safe!

The facts in the book are taken by some to be the end all, but actually, like with most historical facts that are based in religion it is still left to interpretation.

I loved the book because it made me think. I am an agnostic, who has experienced and immersed himself in 7 diferent religions.I came to realize many things in my personal life through those experiences, so I am not a religion basher. But I do appreciate the talk and in depth discussions that this book has caused or rather spawned.

Like I said before, at least they haven't tried to make, Angels and Demons yet! that would ignite a fire storm!

I can't wait to see this and thanks for the review Tomson!

I'm not going to see it for spiritual reasons...

Yes, but porn is a way of entertainment too. But that doesn't make it right. Looking at nude pictures on the internet isn't having sex, its meant for you to be entertained...right? But that still doesn't make it right.

From a Christian point of view, going to see this movie would be like going to see a rated R, nasty mouth movie with nudy shots in it. Nothing can make me a non-Christian, but being a Christian means going against things like that, no matter what its purpose is.

:)

-Chris

Do not be part of the world! That also means do not be part of discussions about it! You have more important things to consider and work on, the work of the Lord!

This topic is obviously not one that you would want to be involved in so just let it run the course.

Keep the faith!

Quoted from FilmMaker06 Yes, but porn is a way of entertainment too. But that doesn't make it right. Looking at nude pictures on the internet isn't having sex, its meant for you to be entertained...right? But that still doesn't make it right.

Doesn't make it wrong!

If God didn't want us looking at naked bodies, he wouldn't have made them so attractive.

Mine, anyway....


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe Mine, anyway....

lol.

Quoted from dogglebe Doesn't make it wrong! If God didn't want us looking at naked bodies, he wouldn't have made them so attractive. Phil

True, but if you aren't loyal enough to only look at the one you are married to, not the one you are dating, and you don't love the girl friend you are going out enough to save yourself to marriage, then you deserve to have your eyes ripped out.  ;)

Quoted from FilmMaker06 True, but if you aren't loyal enough to only look at the one you are married to, not the one you are dating, and you don't love the girl friend you are going out enough to save yourself to marriage, then you deserve to have your eyes ripped out.  ;)

By whom?  By the kind, loving and forgiving God we all read about in the New Testament?


Phil

And by the just God you read about.

Alright, Phil, you finally made me laugh!

Look, entertainment is subjective and always will be.That's why so many great, original ideas are overlooked! the moment that someone strikes gold with an origial idea, like QT, the entertainment world flocks! The trick is to write a story that appeals on levels that most people don't want to venture. Suicide for instance.

People who LOOK like Phil probably go near suicide every day. lol. :D

Doesn't sound like the forgiving God to me.  Such a serious punishment for such a small sin.


Phil

All sins are equal in his eyes. Says it in the Bible that supposedly all of us read. :)

Quoted from FilmMaker06 All sins are equal in his eyes. Says it in the Bible that supposedly all of us read. :)

No they're not.  Some sins are forgivable (like oggling nude women) and some are aren't (like suicide).  And then there's original sin....


Phil

The Bible says that when you become a Christian, all of your sins are already forgiven by what Jesus did on the cross and rising from the dead 3 days later. So this means the sin of suicide is already forgiven, so if you really read the Bible, you'd know that if you are a Christian and you kill yourself (though I'm not sure why a Christian would do this. Makes me wonder if they were really a Christian at all) you'd go to heaven. :)

-Chris

Umm...it was related to what you said. And it had nothing to do with sex, but with porn, which is a photo. And I was relating porn to entertainment, which is what you were talking about. :)

Ah! Tomson! this is the first time I must shut up!

DARN YOU!

I think this thread is more entertaining than the movie will be :D

Quoted from FilmMaker06 The Bible says that when you become a Christian, all of your sins are already forgiven by what Jesus did on the cross and rising from the dead 3 days later. So this means the sin of suicide is already forgiven, so if you really read the Bible, you'd know that if you are a Christian and you kill yourself (though I'm not sure why a Christian would do this. Makes me wonder if they were really a Christian at all) you'd go to heaven. :) -Chris

Just like people were forgiven when Horus died for them and rose from the dead three days later - thousands of years before Jesus.

Just like Krishna was “born of a virgin,” died for everyone’s trespasses and was raised from the dead.

Just like with Mithraism - before Christianity.

Just like Buddha - who exists as a “trinity” and has worshippers awaiting a “second coming” in the form of Maitreya, who will rule over the earth and, of course, everything will be wonderful and blissful.

The story of the God-man, born through miraculous means, who died for mankind and was resurrected (like the phoenix) is far older than Jesus.

In fact, if you study Jesus’ teachings, they were actually much more in line with Roman pagan beliefs than they were Jewish.

Christianity is nothing more than a “spiritual coup” by the Romans to gain and sustain control over Jews. The pagan stories that form the basis for the New Testament were around long before, just adapted to a form more acceptable to Jews. In fact, at one time in Rome, there was a statue of Jesus erected by the Emperor Constantine that, though called Jesus, was actually a statue of a Sun (Son) God to whom Constantine was a devout worshipper (despite stories, Constantine never actually converted to Christianity until on his death bed).

Constantine was in fact himself declared a god during his lifetime as was customary for Emperors in Roman culture. But, with the diverse population, including a growing Christian sect, Constantine united his empire by declaring Christianity the state religion. Though called Christianity,  it was a mishmash of all the various prominent religions of the time and formed into one unified “universal” (or Catholic) Church.

This is why you have a pine tree at Christmas (which is actually part of a pagan ritual). This is also why you have Easter (Ester was a pagan goddess and Easter was originally a celebration of the renewal of life with the egg being a prominent symbol). Most of Christianity is not Christian at all. In fact, more of your worship is grounded in paganism than it is in Jewish tradition.

The point is that you’ve already strayed from the biblical god just by even listening to Jesus’ pagan teachings. Those teachings are punishable by death according to Jewish law.

Debating with someone like you, Rapture, however, is of course a waste of time. Religious brainwashing is of course very potent. Children are indoctrinated from the beginning of life and the lies are reinforced by the provided environment and society at large. There’s very little that can be done for you Rapture. People who have learned the truth about religion can only put our faith in the possibility that somewhere deep inside of you, there is enough of truth allowed to shine through that you will find your own way. Deprogramming church and societal lies and reversing the damage caused by them is a lifelong challenge.

Anyway, with regards to The DaVinci Code: Da Vinci was a man who loved to mess with the heads of religious people so whether any code he left behind could be taken serious is suspect. And Dan Brown did, for those who don’t know, basically steal the idea from the controversial book Holy Blood Holy Grail.

Still, these kinds of films are very important if for no other reason than to start or keep a dialogue - because though it may provoke controversy, it also provokes thought and discussion. And that, in my opinion, is invaluable.

Quoted from FilmMaker06 The Bible says that when you become a Christian, all of your sins are already forgiven by what Jesus did on the cross and rising from the dead 3 days later. So this means the sin of suicide is already forgiven, so if you really read the Bible, you'd know that if you are a Christian and you kill yourself (though I'm not sure why a Christian would do this. Makes me wonder if they were really a Christian at all) you'd go to heaven. :) -Chris

If this is the case, why do Catholics have to go to confession?  Why is there last rites?

From wikipedia:

Mortal sin.  According to the beliefs of Catholicism, a mortal sin is a sin that, unless confessed and absolved, condemns a person's soul to Hell after death.

Suicide would be one of these sins.  I don't believe that someone would go to Hell for oggling women but, as George Carlin would say, "There's still guys in Hell doing time on a meat rap!"


Phil

Quoted from Breanne Mattson Just like people were forgiven when Horus died for them and rose from the dead three days later - thousands of years before Jesus. Just like Krishna was “born of a virgin,” died for everyone’s trespasses and was raised from the dead. Just like with Mithraism - before Christianity. Just like Buddha - who exists as a “trinity” and has worshippers awaiting a “second coming” in the form of Maitreya, who will rule over the earth and, of course, everything will be wonderful and blissful. The story of the God-man, born through miraculous means, who died for mankind and was resurrected (like the phoenix) is far older than Jesus. In fact, if you study Jesus’ teachings, they were actually much more in line with Roman pagan beliefs than they were Jewish. Christianity is nothing more than a “spiritual coup” by the Romans to gain and sustain control over Jews. The pagan stories that form the basis for the New Testament were around long before, just adapted to a form more acceptable to Jews. In fact, at one time in Rome, there was a statue of Jesus erected by the Emperor Constantine that, though called Jesus, was actually a statue of a Sun (Son) God to whom Constantine was a devout worshipper (despite stories, Constantine never actually converted to Christianity until on his death bed). Constantine was in fact himself declared a god during his lifetime as was customary for Emperors in Roman culture. But, with the diverse population, including a growing Christian sect, Constantine united his empire by declaring Christianity the state religion. Though called Christianity,  it was a mishmash of all the various prominent religions of the time and formed into one unified “universal” (or Catholic) Church. This is why you have a pine tree at Christmas (which is actually part of a pagan ritual). This is also why you have Easter (Ester was a pagan goddess and Easter was originally a celebration of the renewal of life with the egg being a prominent symbol). Most of Christianity is not Christian at all. In fact, more of your worship is grounded in paganism than it is in Jewish tradition. The point is that you’ve already strayed from the biblical god just by even listening to Jesus’ pagan teachings. Those teachings are punishable by death according to Jewish law. Debating with someone like you, Rapture, however, is of course a waste of time. Religious brainwashing is of course very potent. Children are indoctrinated from the beginning of life and the lies are reinforced by the provided environment and society at large. There’s very little that can be done for you Rapture. People who have learned the truth about religion can only put our faith in the possibility that somewhere deep inside of you, there is enough of truth allowed to shine through that you will find your own way. Deprogramming church and societal lies and reversing the damage caused by them is a lifelong challenge. Anyway, with regards to The DaVinci Code: Da Vinci was a man who loved to mess with the heads of religious people so whether any code he left behind could be taken serious is suspect. And Dan Brown did, for those who don’t know, basically steal the idea from the controversial book Holy Blood Holy Grail. Still, these kinds of films are very important if for no other reason than to start or keep a dialogue - because though it may provoke controversy, it also provokes thought and discussion. And that, in my opinion, is invaluable.

HERE! HERE! Well said. (APPLAUSE)

Quoted from Breanne Mattson Just like people were forgiven when Horus died for them and rose from the dead three days later - thousands of years before Jesus. Just like Krishna was “born of a virgin,” died for everyone’s trespasses and was raised from the dead. Just like with Mithraism - before Christianity. Just like Buddha - who exists as a “trinity” and has worshippers awaiting a “second coming” in the form of Maitreya, who will rule over the earth and, of course, everything will be wonderful and blissful. The story of the God-man, born through miraculous means, who died for mankind and was resurrected (like the phoenix) is far older than Jesus.

Exatly!  Except for Mithraism.  That guy always made me nervous.


Lock away, Don!


Phil

Breanne, you are a good pastor... You should create your own religion or something. :D

Quoted from James Fields Breanne, you are a good pastor... You should create your own religion or something. :D

AMEN ;D

Quoted from James Fields Breanne,... You should create your own religion or something. :D

I did. It’s called Breannism. Now give me all your money.

:)

Just kidding.

No thank you.  8)

Quoted from Breanne Mattson Just like people were forgiven when Horus died for them and rose from the dead three days later - thousands of years before Jesus. Just like Krishna was “born of a virgin,” died for everyone’s trespasses and was raised from the dead. Just like with Mithraism - before Christianity. Just like Buddha - who exists as a “trinity” and has worshippers awaiting a “second coming” in the form of Maitreya, who will rule over the earth and, of course, everything will be wonderful and blissful. The story of the God-man, born through miraculous means, who died for mankind and was resurrected (like the phoenix) is far older than Jesus. In fact, if you study Jesus’ teachings, they were actually much more in line with Roman pagan beliefs than they were Jewish. Christianity is nothing more than a “spiritual coup” by the Romans to gain and sustain control over Jews. The pagan stories that form the basis for the New Testament were around long before, just adapted to a form more acceptable to Jews. In fact, at one time in Rome, there was a statue of Jesus erected by the Emperor Constantine that, though called Jesus, was actually a statue of a Sun (Son) God to whom Constantine was a devout worshipper (despite stories, Constantine never actually converted to Christianity until on his death bed). Constantine was in fact himself declared a god during his lifetime as was customary for Emperors in Roman culture. But, with the diverse population, including a growing Christian sect, Constantine united his empire by declaring Christianity the state religion. Though called Christianity,  it was a mishmash of all the various prominent religions of the time and formed into one unified “universal” (or Catholic) Church. This is why you have a pine tree at Christmas (which is actually part of a pagan ritual). This is also why you have Easter (Ester was a pagan goddess and Easter was originally a celebration of the renewal of life with the egg being a prominent symbol). Most of Christianity is not Christian at all. In fact, more of your worship is grounded in paganism than it is in Jewish tradition. The point is that you’ve already strayed from the biblical god just by even listening to Jesus’ pagan teachings. Those teachings are punishable by death according to Jewish law. Debating with someone like you, Rapture, however, is of course a waste of time. Religious brainwashing is of course very potent. Children are indoctrinated from the beginning of life and the lies are reinforced by the provided environment and society at large. There’s very little that can be done for you Rapture. People who have learned the truth about religion can only put our faith in the possibility that somewhere deep inside of you, there is enough of truth allowed to shine through that you will find your own way. Deprogramming church and societal lies and reversing the damage caused by them is a lifelong challenge. Anyway, with regards to The DaVinci Code: Da Vinci was a man who loved to mess with the heads of religious people so whether any code he left behind could be taken serious is suspect. And Dan Brown did, for those who don’t know, basically steal the idea from the controversial book Holy Blood Holy Grail. Still, these kinds of films are very important if for no other reason than to start or keep a dialogue - because though it may provoke controversy, it also provokes thought and discussion. And that, in my opinion, is invaluable.

Thank you, Breane!

Back on topic, it seems as if the critics are giving this movie a lot of trash. I just read my issue of entertainment weekly. They state that Hanks "Looks lost and confused...

They also stated that "It Has No Hope in the Box Office."

It got a C+ in EW... I've been searching over the internet, and it's getting C's and 7/10s and 3/5s. I'm guessing that it's because of the theories revolving around the religion.

People should overcome their judgment and watch the darn movie. I think I might check it out. I have to see to believe all these critics, but my father always said when I was younger not to go by the critics.

This is a bit off topic again, and ignore me if you want, but I just had a thought.

You say that it's just entertainment and is fictional, which is true. But that doesn't mean it isn't an attack on Christianity. Just like some movies are attacks on President George Bush.

Just thought I'd say that. Because, entertainment or not, and even though the movie is fictional and not fact, it is believed by many and will only 'stir the pot.'

I guess this wasn't really off topic, since it was about the Da Vinci Code.

Anyway, peace out. I must go to bed. My Grandma's havin' a yard sale tomorrow and I gotta help.

-Chris

just saw it and it was pretty good, a little long though.  it reminded me of a beautiful mind, like the scenes with tom hanks trying to solve thae key and all the images start popping out at him, that was really cool.  I liked silas, eventhough he was a villian, I kinda felt bad for him.  Magneato was great as well, plus it had a cool music score.  I have no idea why people are complaining about it, it didn't seem anti jesus at all, in fact the ending seems pro jesus, oh well, the people who hate won't see it so I guess it doesn't matter. :)

People shouldn't listen to critics in the first place. Just judge for yourself.

Quoted from Steve-Dave People shouldn't listen to critics in the first place. Just judge for yourself.

I don't have the time or the money to see every movie that catches my attention.  If the majority of critics say that a particular movie is bad, then they are saving me thirty bucks and a couple of hours.


Phil

Thirty bucks? It only cost 5 a person here and then 3 for a child under 10...

I wouldn't doubt it. Some theaters can cost mucho dinero just for admission..and prices for popcorn and soda knock me out. In the past two years, in my very small town, the prices were raised $0.25 every few months or so. Now it's a dollar fifty more to see a show than it was in 2004. That doesn't sound like much... but for two people, that dollar fifty each could be used to buy a drink or candy.

My friends saw Da Vinci Code and they weren't ecstatic about what they saw. They said it was OK but not great.