That may have been the question a few days ago, but not anymore, since the Manila City Council has decided to ban the showing of the film "Da Vinci Code" in theaters across the city.

I wasn't really planning to watch the film since I didn't enjoy the book all that much, but seeing how his pompousness Lito Atienza, the ever-vocal apologist of Gloria, has managed to have this film banned (of course there might be others in league with him), my resolve not to watch this wavered.

Should I or should I not go and see this film? Do I spite the arrogant, poor-excuse-for-a-researcher, and one-trick-pony-cum-writer Dan Brown? Or the stomach-hurling Lito Atienza? Hmmm... such a difficult decision considering they won't even know I'm spiting either of them.

Browsing through various cinema schedules finally gave me the answer. It seems one particular mall in Manila was actually showing the film in not just one, but three of its cinemas! Robinson's Movieworld Ermita! Bingo! I decided I will support their cause (I later decided that I won't go back and watch any films there again anytime soon, but that's another story). So I did end up watching the film.

I must say the film did what all the articles, books, and documentaries against the book couldn't do. It destroyed whatever sense of credibility it had. The movie was lame, the premise forgettable, and the experience was a waste of two and a half feaking hours on top of my P110. It can literally put you to sleep in under 30 minutes. I don't think Ron Howard should expect an Oscar for his efforts. He'd be happy if he didn't land somewhere in the Bottom 100 films.

Columbia Pictures and the local distributors however must be extremely pleased with themselves. The film has been given tons of free media exposure. The ban did not help at all--people are merely flocking to QC and Makati to catch the film. Sonny Belmonte and Jejomar Binay must be laughing their way to the bank and thanking Lito Atienza's dumb ass right now.

I'm getting to hate these stupid politicians more... they made me watch this stupid film! So much for all that hype. Good thing we'll finally have X-Men 3 next week.