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Carole Mikita and Randall Jeppesen ReportingGlitz, glitter, lights, camera and action at the opening of the Cannes film festival. The author of "The Da Vinci Code," Dan Brown walked the red carpet with his wife Blythe. The cast of "The Da Vinci Code" arrived together.
Director Ron Howard and stars Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Jean Reno, and Paul Grazer created a stir. Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, laughed and took pictures of the photographers.
Director Ron Howard said today that if people believe the film will bother them, they shouldn't see it. Film critics got their crack at 'The Code" as the first ones to watch the Da Vinci Code film.
The fast-paced sequences in the trailer are apparently not translating into an exciting theatre experience for some. Utah film critics are not calling this movie a blockbuster, but dry and academic.
Jeff Vice, film critic, Deseret Morning News: "I don't think it translates well to the screen. The film, too, is way, way, way, way too long."
Tony Toscano, 'Talking Pictures': "If you've read the book, you're gonna enjoy the movie a lot more. It is a bit slow, it's a big long."
It may be a mystery claiming to uncover a conspiracy, but apparently the film is lacking something essential.
Jeff Vice: "I preferred 'National Treasure' because at least that film was fun. This is not fun."
So what about the acting, Tom Hanks in particular? Well, once again, mixed reviews.
Jeff Vice: "Tom Hanks sort of sleep walks through it. Everything I've read suggests he was very miscast for the role too. He looks very uncomfortable."
It ultimately is up to the movie-going public. Will you try to decode Da Vinci or not? Utah theatres report advance ticket sales are good and a number of screenings are sold out. The film premieres here Friday morning.
