The Da Vinci Code
With so much controversies, publicity and promotions, this movie is probably the most talked about flick this year. With the author’s battle for forgery accusations, the protests it received because of its opposing context to what the Catholics believe, Google’s code quest (which was probably participated mostly by geeks) and the notion of banning the screening of the movie made it “the movie to see”.
There was a protest to ban the movie on the country even before it arrived here (and still ongoing I think). They were saying it would bring doubt to Filipino’s faith and quoting from what I read on some random site that the movie is “unethical”. Amidst everything, the MTRCB decided to allow the movie to be shown with a rating of R-18. And with that, the movie will not be shown on the largest cinema chain on the Philippines, the SM Mall Cinemas. Even our local cinema enforced that R-18 rule. I was supposed to watch it with my sister when the ticket lady asked here age, she’s 15. My sister wanted to throw a hissy-fit but it won’t change anything. I watched the movie alone.
For this movie-goer, The Da Vinci Code is a great movie. It remained quite loyal to the book as far as I can recall (I liked the book better). Gripping at times. I love Audrey Tautou; Paul Bettany was one scary Albino monk; Ian McKellen was perfect but I am not that keen on Tom Hanks (I thought Clooney would fit this role). Ron Howard’s direction was great, as usual. Even the score was good and “familiar”. (I found out while collecting links for this entry that it was Hans Zimmer who scored the movie, I love his works). I’d watch it again if I had the chance.
On the contrary, while I was writing this entry, I found out that the movie has so many bad reviews. Do we need to wonder why? I hope I’m not saying this on a bad way but what type of assessment would anything or anyone get if what it conveys is “unfamiliar” to the majority?
Some were really anxious what would be the outcome after watching the movie, which I think was and is the opposing parties’ main reason to ban the movie on the country on the first place. IMO, they should probably watch the movie first before they say anything. Quoting from what Tom Hank’s character, Robert Langdon:
So again I say, what matters is what you believe…
I think he even said that twice. The viewer will decide and not have them decide for the viewers.
Best part of the movie was the ending. I was bound on my seat absorbing everything what Tom Hank’s endearing voice said:
“The Holy Grail ‘neath ancient Roslin waits.
The blade and chalice guarding o’er Her gates.
Adorned in masters’ loving art, She lies.
She rests at last beneath the starry skies.”
Now if you ask me (assuming you’ve already seen the movie) if I am ever at Paris and somehow I’m at the inverted glass pyramid on the Louvre, would I kneel?
And my answer is “on both knees”. 
On a slightly different note, the recently opened “SanMig Coca Cola IMAX Theater” on SM Mall of Asia, came out with a huge bang on premiering the state-of-the-art theater; they were forced to screen that heart-pumping, adrenaline-boosting, wild chase action movie Everest (sarcasm ends here). What a flop, they opened it with that movie?! I’m sure it had something to do with the Filipinos’ race to the roof of the world; it seems that “everybody” wants to climb it now. “Red Horse Pepsi IMAX Theater”, what a name. :))