There are two things to consider when you discuss “The Da Vinci Code.” The first, of course, is the movie itself. The second is everything else.

As for the movie, the best thing you can say about it is that it doesn’t suck. It’s a competently made thriller, though the whole notion of codes and puzzles and stuff – especially the act of a dying man going to all the trouble of constructing such a mystery in his own blood – is a bit much.

When it comes to everything else, though, I just can’t see what the fuss is about. What, are we still living during the Spanish Inquisition when someone even posing a question about Christ’s not being divine is excommunicated, excoriated and then burned at the stake? Seems that way.

One thing is for sure: Dan Brown is content. Or he should be. No writer has worked less for more than he.

Below:“The Da Vinci Code” author Dan Brown has good reason to smile.

Photo by Paula Lerner