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
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