THE DA VINCI CODE (2006) 2 stars out of 4. Starring Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno and Paul Bettany. Based on the book by Dan Brown. Screenplay by Akiva Goldsman. Directed by Ron Howard. Rated PG-13. Running time: 149 minutes

        In The Da Vinci Code, director Ron Howard brings the pages of Dan Brown痴 best-seller to life.

        Unfortunately, he fails to instill any life into the film.

        The problem is not Akiva Goldsman痴 script, which is mostly faithful to the book, but Howard痴 direction. It lacks pace. It fails to instill a sense of urgency. It fails to duplicate the cliffhanger speed of the book, which propelled the reader from one situation to another.

        The book kept you breathless; the movie makes you restless.

        The Da Vinci Code has all the requirements for a first-class thriller: a mysterious murder, a centuries-old puzzle, shadowy characters, an unknown villain and a smart, resourceful hero. For some reason, though, Howard fails to utilize any of these to their potential.

        This lethargic atmosphere also affects the cast. Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon lacks fire or charisma. His Langdon is colorless, too much the scholar, too little the adventurer. Even when he solves a piece of the puzzle, it fails to ignite any emotion.

        At least Audrey Tautou as Sophie Neveu shows some spirit and range as the young woman caught up in something that is way over her head.

Ian McKellen as Grail scholar Sir Leigh Teabing tries to bring some much-needed lightness to the dramatics, playing his role with a dash of humor.

        Everyone else, including Jean Reno as the dogged police captain trying to capture Langdon and Neveu, fails to even crack a smile. Even Paul Bettany as the Albino monk, Silas, lays it on so thick that he almost becomes a caricature.

        At nearly 2ｽ hours, The Da Vinci Code lurches from scene to scene. The last 15 to 20 minutes drag by as they consist of much talk and exposition.

        The movie fails to build any suspense.

        It痴 as if Howard and Goldsman assumed everyone had read the book, so they don稚 try to pull any surprises.

        The Da Vinci Code is a disappointment. With all the talent in front of and behind the camera, the movie could have been a top-notch chase, a classic cat-and-mouse game.

        Instead, we get a plodding, methodical adaptation that fails to mesmerize the viewer as the book riveted its readers.

        Bob Bloom is the film critic and DVD reviewer at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, Ind. He can be reached by e-mail at bbloom@journalandcourier.com or at serialhero48@yahoo.com. Bloom's reviews also can be found at the Journal and Courier Web site: www.jconline.com
Other reviews by Bloom can be found at the Rottentomatoes Web site: www.rottentomatoes.com.