On the other hand, Sir McKellen (X-Men 3) is fine as Teabing. He shows a certain naiveté and childlike, disarming enthusiasm that suits the role perfectly. Bettany (Firewall) is also excellent as the tormented assassin, Silas, whose devotion to the Lord is tragically misguided. His gaunt, pale face and body are creepy but mesmerizing. Reno (The Pink Panther) does what he does best — a French cop, even though his role is rather minor. Rounding out the cast are Molina (Spider-Man 2) as Bishop Aringarosa — a bishop with a secret mission, Prochnow (The Celestine Prophecy) as bank manager Vernet, Barteloot (Le Grand Charles) as Teabing's butler Remy, Chicot (Imposture) as suspicious Lt. Collet, and Marielle (The Return of James Battle) as Saundiere. They are all good actors in relatively small roles.
However, we don't go to a movie like the Da Vinci Code to watch Oscar-caliber performances. Goldsman (Cinderella Man) does a good job adapting Dan Brown's highly convoluted and expository novel to the screen. Certain parts of the film still feel confusing, especially if one is not familiar with the novel. Also, the script favors more action and less talk, which is both a merit as well a detriment to the story. The action makes the film more exciting and suspenseful, but it also takes away the intellectual intrigue of the central mystery that Brown did so well explaining in the book — the main reason why the book is such an international sensation.
As with any thriller, the plot twists come fast and furious, making it impossible for the audience to stop and think through the logical flaws. For example, why would Sauniere trust Robert Langdon — a complete stranger — in the supreme secrecy that he's been protecting? And what of Sophie? The risks Saundiere put her through in helping Langdon suddenly don't make sense once the final piece of the puzzle falls into place.
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