Posted on 05/16/2006 6:06:33 PM PDT by blogblogginaway
CANNES, France (Reuters) - Journalists gave eagerly awaited film "The Da Vinci Code" a cool reception at its first press screening on Tuesday, a day ahead of the world premiere of the adaptation of Dan Brown's controversial novel.
The release of the big-budget Hollywood thriller has already prompted a wave of protests from Christians across the world who believe the theories put forward in the novel are blasphemous.
One of the central characters suggests Jesus Christ married Mary Magdalene and they established a dynasty which elements within the Church would stop at nothing to try to cover up.
The outcry from religious groups in India, the Philippines, South Korea and the United States among others has made the film one of the most controversial releases since Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" in 2004.
The Vatican has led the offensive against The Da Vinci Code, calling for a boycott and even unspecified legal action against both the book and film.
While the protests have provided studio Sony Pictures with the kind of publicity money can't buy, the reaction at the first press screening in Cannes was largely negative, and loud laughter broke out at one of the pivotal scenes.
"Nothing really works. It's not suspenseful. It's not romantic. It's certainly not fun," said Stephen Schaefer of the Boston Herald.
(Excerpt) Read more at today.reuters.com ...
Not at all surprising.
God will not be mocked!
LOL! =)
The buzz on the street for the past week has been that the film is really awful...I guess this just confirms it.
I mean, if it had any merit as a piece of film, you know the types who hang out in cannes would have drooled all over themselves...it fits right in with their world view. It must be a stinker.
You might find this interesting. Seems like some prayers are being answered from the get-go.
Millions of people will not see this on principle (and this will likely extend to future movies directed by Howard or starring Hanks).
Nobody, however, will see this movie on principle, unlike the Passion.
good news - let's keep praying though. Here's a review -
"...result is perhaps the best thing the project's critics could have hoped for."
http://www.variety.com/VE1117930534.html
Sounds like they tried to make it too arty...not strong enough for the Cannes crowd, but it sounds like the stuff that puts action adventure fans to sleep.
Prayers continue.
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