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Monday:
The Da Vinci Code (2006)

…painful…

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The Da Vinci Code, as many book-to-film stories are, was disappointing. Yet again they chopped up a masterpiece just so they could fit it in a two hour limit. Not everyone wants to sit through a four hour movie, but they could have pulled a Kill Bill. Actually, I'm being a little too harsh. Most of the great parts in the book were represented, but the excitement just wasn't there.

Robert Langdon (Hanks) becomes a suspect in a murder case while in Paris. After questioning, he must escape with Sophie Neveu (the victim's daughter and cryptologist) and learn of the conspiracy surrounding a secret society dating back to Sir Isaac Newton. The duo must race across Europe and discover the answer behind the mystery before the truth gets in the wrong hands.

As always, if you haven't read the book (and plan to) don't watch the film first. It won't make any sense. If you want a comparison, think National Treasure except more painful. The bottom line is that the condensed version of the story doesn't work. While reading, Dan Brown convinced me of what was going on and why I needed to get to the finish line first. I was drawn into what was happening. That magic disappeared. If you don't enjoy reading and you want to see what all the controversy is about, then go ahead and rent it. It isn't that bad.

My Rating =

Rent

Wednesday:
Stranger than Fiction (2006)

…wonderfully imaginative…inspiring…

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Stranger than Fiction is the most inspiring movie I've seen in a long, long time, and frankly I don't have the reason. There is just a great feeling that wells up inside of you and eventually you just feel breathless. The actors (especially Emma Thompson) convinced me that when JK Rowling killed Dumbledore, Sirius, and Cedric (won't mention any "Hallows" victims) they actually collapsed somewhere and a family was in tears. Before viewing the film that may sound utterly ridiculous, but afterwards…well you'll see.

A best-selling writer (Thompson) is plagued with writer's block and gains the assistance of a woman (Latifah) from her publisher. As they are plotting the end of her next novel, Harold Crick (Ferrell) begins hearing the narration as it happens. Frightened by his "imminent" death, Harold seeks the help of a local literary professor (Hoffman) and discovers who the person behind the voice is. He must race against the clock to convince the author to spare him while struggling to keep from going insane.

The concept itself was enough to make me sit through the film. Sure, I was a little leery but the wonderfully imaginative story will keep your attention regardless of what is going on around you. Best movie of 2006? I doubt it. I can tell you that it is definitely the most memorable. Do yourself a favor and rent Will Ferrell's best film to date.

My Rating =

Rent

Friday:
John Q (2002)

…forgettable…

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For some odd reason, every time I mention John Q it is given praise regardless of who I'm talking to. Why? The only highlight of the movie (for me anyway) was the example given to prove that our healthcare system sucks. It had its moments, but most were forgettable.

Middle class man, John Q (Washington), must find a way to obtain medical attention to his son's fatal heart condition. Once he finds that his meager insurance won't cover it he looks for the most logical solution, and holding everyone in the hospital hostage seemed like a great idea! The doctors agree to the surgery (as if they had an option) as police surround the premises. A hostage negotiator (Duvall) tries his best to get the situation under hand amongst mass confusion.

Unfortunately, the film assumes that you will take up for the guy who held up a hospital and used violence against the innocent to get free health care. I hate to sound like a "goody-goody", but I just don't accept a mad man as a middle class "hero". The character had so little depth I doubt I would have cared if he was a saint. In a way, the concept looks interesting on paper. It would look good on screen had it had been made correctly. Oh well, I guess all you have to do is slap a celebrity's name on something for it to sell. Enjoy your salary Mr. Washington.