In 2006, We were introduced to the film version of the Da Vinci Code. At the time, lovers of the bestselling book it was based upon were eagerly awaiting the release. Well as often happens, the movie was not nearly as good as the book. I did not
read the book so I could see the movie for what it was. A few days before seeing the movie, I watched a documentary about the book and its secrets on the History channel. I was fascinated by the story and it was a good prelude to the actual movie. Imagine my surprise when the film bored me to tears! Ron Howard's direction was excruciating at times. The pace was very slow and the mystery not so amazing after a while.
I am happy to say that Angels & Demons is a much better film but not a great one. Tom Hanks returns as Prof. Robert Langdon, this time to assist the Vatican in a plot against them by an old enemy, the Illuminati. The movie does a good job of filling us in to understand how this volatile relationship came about. The pacing works well but of course as with the previous movie, we begin to get bogged down with what the audience already knows. A good example of this is a monologue scene with a certain character that feels heavy handed.
The acting was pretty good even though Tom Hanks loves to ham it up a bit. Ayelet Zurer plays Vittoria, the scientist assisting Dr. Langdon. Vittoria belongs to another section of the movie I take issue with. The opening scene is overwhelming in terms of scientific information. A lot of moments are very over the top. The film leaves the realm of reality in a story about murder and conspiracy. Also the score comes in at the worst times. You shouldn't have the drums thumping while you are still in a dialogue scene. The audience is trying to stay with story yet you are musically pushing us into the next scene.
Overall it's an effective thriller more so than the Da Vinci Code. I was entertained but not eager to watch it again. Its occasional moments of awe and sweeping views of Rome are worth seeing on the big screen. My Grade: C
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