Film: Angels & Demons

STARRING: Tom Hanks (lots of films); Ewan McGregor (Star Wars prequels); Ayelet Zurer (Vantage Point)
DIRECTOR: Ron Howard (Da Vinci Code; Frost/Nixon)
WRITERS: David Koepp (Spiderman) & Akiva Goldsman (Da Vinci Code; I Am Legend; I, Robot)
PLOT: Robert Langdon returns to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist attack on the Vatican.

FIVE OBSERVATIONS
4 I was not a big fan of the Da Vinci Code. I recall saying “it’s like Indiana Jones with 1/10 the action, 7 times the exposition and none of the light humour.” In comparison. Angels & Demons was far better. There was a lot more action, a race against time and even a few tongue-in-cheek jokes here and there. Sure, there are many conveniences that make this story work, but I found myself entertained, most of the time.
4 Ron Howard did a fine job directing this film. I was disappointed with his choices on Frost/Nixon, but he seemed to make it up here. With lots of aerial shots and swift-moving camera work and a nicely pulsating score, Angels & Demons keeps you within the action. Another great improvement over Da Vinci Code.
4 Tom’s haircut. Ron Howard even admitted that the biggest complaint of Da Vinci Code was the length and greasiness of Langdon’s hair. It’s nice and trim now. Smart move Howard.
4 The death scenes were a little too grotesque this time around. Lots of burning and such make it a little more queasy to watch. Maybe they were going for a more restrictive audience, but it seemed a little over-the-top and gratuitous.
4 So I enjoyed most of the film, but the last half hour is utterly predictable and ridiculous. (Is flying a helicopter that easy?) It unfortunately takes away from the entire picture. The race was great; the result was blah. It was laughable and that’s not what you want in a film looking at terrorist plots and ritual sacrifice.

RECOMMENDATION
Wait for it on DVD

COMING SOON
TV Season Roundup & Terminator: Salvation

Film: Star Trek

STARRING: Chris Pine (Smokin’ Aces); Zachary Quinto (Heroes); Karl Urban (Bourne Supremacy, Lord ot the Rings); Eric Bana (Hulk, Munich)
DIRECTOR: JJ Abrams (Alias, Fringe, Lost, Mission:Impossible III)
WRITERS: Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman (Fringe, Transformers)
PLOT: The early days of James T Kirk and the USS Enterprise crew

FIVE OBSERVATIONS
4 With the exception of a couple sappy TV shows, everything JJ Abrams touches is gold. Pure gold. He knows how to reinvigorate a franchise. While I’m sure you could credit a lot of individuals, it all comes down to Abrams bringing it all together. It was well worth the wait. Looking forward to his next venture.
4 Trying to recast Star Trek is a challenge since so many people relate to the original. Many of the 'early versions' look the part and those that don’t, make it up with loads of charm. The most surprising for me is Karl Urban as Bones. I never liked Bones on the original, but he is pretty awesome in this update.
4 Even with all the special effects and space jargon, it all comes down to character and story. It’s the strength of these two aspects that make Star Trek soar. The relationship between Kirk and Spock is electric and fun to watch. I also like myself a good origin story. Learned a lot of things about these classic characters.
4 Don’t get me wrong, the special effects are top notch. The space battles are captivating. Some of the digital effects are a little cheesy, but not original Star Trek cheesy.
4 I’m not a Trekkie or Trekker or whatever. I know some names, maybe a few alien races, but not a stitch of Klingon. I’ve watched a few of the movies but never on an opening night. And even with my lack of Star Trek knowledge, this film was fantastic. You don’t need to know the history of the franchise. Of course, there are also plenty of inside jokes for the die hard fans. Either way, you will not be disappointed.

RECOMMENDATION
See it in the theatre
(Worth your time and money)

COMING SOON
TV Season Roundup