Separating Fact, Fiction
This Friday, the highly anticipated movie “The Da Vinci Code” arrives in theaters.

Nearly 50 million people read the book.

With the movie’s release comes threats of boycotts and prayer vigils outside of theaters.

Theaters have been selling advance tickets for the film.

The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in France, but with so-so reviews.

Still, millions will see the movie and the Catholic Church wants to make sure moviegoers know the truth.

Hollywood brings to life “The Da Vinci Code” and its controversy.

Book club reader Ann Keenan, who is not affiliated with any religion, is not sure why there is so much fuss.

"Yes it could be totally plausible from my point of view, it could be plausible,” said Keenan.

It is the confusion over fact versus fiction that concerns Catholics and Protestants.

Father Patrick Mulcahy of the Corpus Christi Catholic Parish is one of many religious leaders holding preemptive educational seminars to help his congregation reach out to those confused by the movie’s message.

"I see it as an opportunity to introduce them to the church in terms of the foundations. Be proud and be able to respond with a deeper understanding and enrich their faith," said Mulcahy.

In the movie, the Roman Catholic Church manipulates the history of Jesus and his relationship to Mary Magdelene.

An albino monk, a member of the Catholic institution Opus Dei, is the film’s villain.

Opus Dei has called for a disclaimer to run before the movie pointing it out as a work of fiction.

But the film's director rejected that request.

The film’s controversial nature has created a buzz among believers, non-believers, and fans of the book.

“I'm just curious. I just want to be here, I want to see the movie and I want to hear what the church has to say about it," said Sandy Erb of Read The Book.

“They're not encouraging us not to see the movie, just go there and understand what you're looking at,” said Rudy Castillo of Read The Book.

Opus Dei Members Respond To Film's Plot
It is likely the most anticipated movie of the year and the most controversial.

There are those who said you should see “The Da Vinci Code,” others are calling for a boycott.

The best-selling novel sold nearly 50 million copies.

But Catholics, Christians and historians have serious issues with the film’s plot.

It is a movie thriller filled with mystery and controversy.

In the movie, Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” carries a code, revealing a political cover-up.

The code reveals Jesus was not the Son of God, was married to Mary Magdalene, and fathered a child.

The Roman Catholic Church is portrayed as manipulating history and an albino monk, a member of the Catholic group Opus Dei, is the film’s villain.

"I think we shouldn't go if we're a practicing Christians and Catholics because I think it says Hollywood is doing okay with this,” said Opus Dei member Maureen McCarthy.

McCarthy does not plan to see “The Da Vinci Code,” but she has read the book.

"He (author Dan Brown) negates the entire New Testament and the Christ diving and the Catholic institution and then he arrogantly feels that's truth," added McCarthy. Opus Dei, headquartered in New York, has launched a public relations offensive, providing a handout tape and interviews.

McCarthy said, "I'm a regular Mom running around keeping the house, dealing with the kids and things like that. The difference probably is I start my day on my knees saying ‘I'll serve you Lord.’"

There are no monks in Opus Dei.

As for corporal mortification, 10News was told members do not use a clice in a brutal and bloody manner.

It is used to imitate Christ’s suffering.

Churches across the nation are holding seminars in advance of the film’s release.

They see it is an opportunity to share their belief in fact versus fiction.

“We know truth always emerges and truth wins,” said Dr. Jim Garlow.

The Skyline pastor has become a nationally recognized expert on “The Da Vinci Code,” writing two books to debunk it.

"He (author Dan Brown) trashes the Roman Catholic Church. I'm not Roman Catholic, I'm protestant, but I find myself in the position where I have to defend the Roman Catholic Church,” said Garlow.

Garlow called the book “faction,” a distorted blend of fiction and fact too many readers believe.

For the faithful, the notion posed by Brown was Jesus was not divine is an all-out assault.

“He accuses them of things they couldn't possibly have thought of," added Garlow.

Garlow encourages Christians to see the movie, so they can tell others what is fact and what is fiction.

"This can be a very good moment for the church if people are equipped and ready and understand the nature of their faith," said Garlow.

The film premiered at France’s Cannes Film Festival, and reviews were less than stellar.

One reviewer actually called the movie “dull.”

Still, the film is expected to take in $50-$80 million it’s opening weekend at the box office.