Book: The Da Vinci Code

	Author:	Dan Brown
	Genre:	Thriller
	Publisher:	Bantam Dell Pub. Group
	Year Published:	March 2003

Frankly, I guessed who the antagonist was way too early to be in suspense at the ending. Nice book. Mind opening for those who would not pick up a book on the topic otherwise. I've read up on the Merovingians, Templars, da Vinci and the Priory of Sion before so there wasn't much "revelation" for me. Brown left out John the Baptist, and some other theories like Jesus not actually dying (anyone heard of Da Vinci supposedly making the Shroud of Turin for his amusement?). But that would mean having a longer novel. I think Brown left in just enough clues for others to pick up the trail on their own - he actually mentioned the books that studied the topics he touched on.

Makes you wonder if Brown is actually in cahoots with the guys who want the world to seriously take notice of their particular field of research. If you want to be a conspiracy theorist, you'd even say he's of the Priory or one of those brotherhoods. In fact, his book may well be the medium of revelation that the novel itself was talking about - you know, revealing the truth to the world at the start of the Age of Aquarius? He he he he!

If you ask me, half the world doesn't really consider Jesus as the God personified, so it wouldn't really matter if the Merovingian line survives and is what it is supposed to be.

Movie: The Lord of the RingsThe Return of the King

	Distributor:	New Line Cinema
	Release:	December 17th, 2003
	Genre:	Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction/Fantasy
	MPAA Rating:	PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and frightening images

After enduring a lot of commercials and trailers, it was a relief when the New Line logo finally appeared, signalling for the Middle Earth magic to begin.

Like the first two, this is a beautiful movie. We see more of Pippin as he is whisked away from his companions and becomes a guest of the Steward of Gondor. Billy Boyd had the luck to sing a simple song, with the backdrop of war to give it significance and feeling.

I've always cried over the death of Theoden king in the novel, so it is natural for me to love that scene in this movie.

Although the Denethor I have imagined from the books had more finesse than the Denethor here who eats sloppily, the movie capture the madness of the character. The scene where Frodo has to throw the ring into the fire was executed well - we see how Frodo finally gives in to the power and claims the ring, only to be saved by the greed of Smeagol. Sam as usual is the lovable loyal servant, and the ending is so sweet - showing him returning to his family in the Shire after seeing Frodo off at the Grey Havens.

Now for the fun parts. Orlando Bloom once more gets his share of Legolas-in-action scene. I think Jackson inserted those moves after the initial filming because he realized how Legolas clicked with a certain demographic. The elf nicknamed by some internet denizens as Figwit makes an appearance due to insistent female fandom clamor. The proliferation of slash fiction about LOTR characters definitely ruined some heartwarming scenes. Since most people watching are college students, people were hooting whenever Sam/Frodo, Merry/Pippin or other guy/guy characters would have "tender" moments. It confirms that majority of the audience have access to the net and have read the slash fiction - which includes Cassandra Claire's secret diaries.

I was amused. I don't know if Peter Jackson would be.