Angels and Demons blasts on the big screen like an antimatter explosion. In the book, the events of Angels and Demons happened before the Da Vinci Code. The movie version takes place after it. Dan Brown’s symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is back with a new mystery to solve. It is an action movie that takes place around Vatican City and Rome.
Ayelet Zurer might not be an Audrey Tautou but her portrayal of CERN physicist Vittoria Vetra was appealing to say the least. She is the only female you’ll see within the confines of St. Peter’s Basilica. During the course of the movie, she’s in the sidelines waiting to change the batteries of a canister filled with antimatter.
Then there’s Ewan McGregor. Young Obi Wan is perfect for the role of Camerlengo Patrick McKenna. Those who read the book will already know that just like the Transformers, McKenna is more than meets the eye. He is left in charge of the Papal office while a conclave is ongoing to find a new pope among popular cardinals.
Unlike the Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons doesn’t seem to have any trouble with the Catholic Church. I guess there are no controversial issues here unlike the first movie. With a secret society that’s made up, how could the church complain about that?
Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks): The Illuminati did not become violent until the 17th Century. Their name means ‘The Enlightened Ones’. They were physicists, mathematicians, astronomers. In the 1500′s they started meeting in secret, because they were concerned about the church’s inaccurate teachings. They were dedicated to scientific truth. And the Vatican didn’t like that. So the church began to, how did you say it? Oh, hunt them down and kill them.
There are no surprises in store for those who have already read the book. The adaptation to the big screen was a pleasant experience. I enjoyed the Angels and Demons even if I already know how it will end. Maybe it was due to the fact that I watched it at Mall of Asia’s Director’s Club. With a lazy boy for a seat and fewer viewers in the room with you, movie viewing is definitely enhanced. Nothing can distract you from the picture on the big screen.
Those who haven’t read Angels and Demons will enjoy the movie as well. It is not as complicated as the Da Vinci Code and the viewers can fully understand and grasp the mystery of Angels and Demons.
