Everybody's a critic: 'The Da Vinci Code'

Four stars (out of four)

If I had to describe this movie in one word, I would choose enthralling. For avid moviegoers and book-worms, the mystery may be slightly predictable, especially if you already know the typical role choices of the pertinent actors.

However, the brilliant, yet subtle acting, the suspenseful score, the spectacular scenery and the fast-paced plot make up for any disappointment. My eyes stayed glued to the screen, and despite the movie's length I was concentrating so hard I never once visited the restroom and barely thought about the review I would have to write.

The action includes everything from a car chase to shoot-outs. Every piece of historical information was perfectly woven into the storyline. Plus, it was refreshing to watch a movie, co-starring a man and woman, which did not turn into a love affair. I would not hesitate to watch this movie again.

-- Nicole Peats, student

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Two-and-a-half stars (out of four)

I was pretty underwhelmed by this adaptation of Dan Brown's popular novel.

The European backdrop was gorgeous and the acting was good; Ian McKellan and Paul Bettany were particularly wonderful. I'm not exactly sure what was missing from the movie version, besides the fact that movies are rarely as entertaining as the books they are based on. People say that the fun of the book was figuring things out before the author took you there, like you were in on solving the mystery. The movie lost that feeling and was just pretty flat.

All of the action was fairly anti-climactic. Controversy-wise, I didn't feel like the filmmakers were pushing any ideas at me as though they were truth. I hope no one who sees this movie will take it any more seriously than they would any other historical fiction piece.

-- Kendra Eads, victims' advocate