The Da Vinci Code has thus far gotten panned from all quarters. The only semi-positive review I've read was in yesterday's NY Post. Opus Dei is up in arms (no secret there, huh?), albinos are protesting the use of yet another albino villian, and Christian groups worldwide have sued to stop or delay its release.

I don't understand all the controversy. Either the film's worth seeing, or it's not. The Vatican has been largely mum on the topic, other than a couple of bishops saying they think it should be taken as an interesting tale--nothing more.

For once, I think the Vatican has it right. Perish the thought, because you may never hear me say that again. Dan Brown, the author, doesn't even try to claim that it's non-fiction. He's not rewriting history. What is to be up in arms about, considering that's it's fiction?

The film critics mostly don't like it because they think the acting sucks. Only Ian McKellan has seemed to escape the lousy acting theme that runs throughout the reviews.

I'll probably go see it, but only for a matinee ticket price, and even at that, I'll smuggle in my own snacks in my pocketbook, like I always do. Tip: hide them under your checkbook and change purse in case some over-zealous ticket taker decides he wants to search your bag.