The Da Vinci Code

*** Stars

The Da Vinci Code, directed by Ron Howard, is a high octane, intelligent thriller, filled with controversy and excitement. It is a summer blockbuster for the book readers and first timers.

Everyone in the world knows this story by now, but let's recap. Famed symbologist Professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) has already been through a lot (with the first Dan Brown novel Angels and Demons) and now he's back, being called to the Louvre museum one night where a curator has been murdered. His body has left clues and symbols to let Langdon solve a puzzle that will unveil secrets involving the works of Leonardo Da Vinci. With the help of police cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), the pair set off on a monumental quest through Paris, London and Scotland in search of all the answers. Sir Leigh Teabing (the always fantastic Ian McKellen) who is basically a guru on the subject, joins the dangerous chase.

Now of course Tom Hanks hair looks like a pile of scum found in a sewer, but that is still no reason to bash a film. After all the hype and negative reviews, the movie doesn't let you down. If you are against the ideas of the book written by Dan Brown and then take Howard's advice: "If the movie upsets you, don't see it". The film is really not as bad as you might think.

Poseidon

Well, basically, Poseidon, directed by Wolgang Petersen, just plain sucks.

** Stars

Mission Impossible III

***1/2 Stars

The summer kicks off with an explosive, heart pounding, experience. Mission Impossible III will be one of the top films to beat come summer's end.

Super-spy Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise at his best) has retired from active duty to train new IMF agents. But he is called back into action to confront the toughest villain he's ever faced. Owen Davian (a fabulous Philip Seymour Hoffman) is an international weapons and information provider to anyone willing to pay. Hunt acquires his old friend Luther Strickell (Ving Rhames), a transportation expert Declan (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a background operative Zhen (Maggie Q), and a new recruit Lindsey (Keri Russell). Soon, they must work together to protect Hunt's newly wed Julia. The rest you must see for yourself.

The movie sends a jolt that hits you with constant emotional energy. The film has more stunts than most films combined and a match up consisting of Cruise and Hoffman is just so awesome. Its only weakness is its briefness towards Hoffman's character. His character is shown with little history of his past doings and goes little into detail about the Rabbit's Foot, the weapon everyone is after. But it's easy to move on.

The movie is a consistent action packed episode of 24. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Tip of the cap to first time director J.J Abrams who should be welcomed greatly into the film industry. And as for Tom Cruise, well, I never stopped loving him.