Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Ron Howard, Sony Pictures, M, 138 Minutes.
Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard is at the helm again with Tom Hanks reprising his role as Robert Langdon the character playing the part of novelist Dan Brown’s religious expert and symbologist.
‘Angels & Demons’ is a suspenseful and thrilling movie that Howard agreed to make after controversy erupted over his first movie ‘The Da Vinci Code’ – which struck a raw nerve with the Catholic Church and numerous Christian groups.
Howard’s second movie in the franchise will not cause such controversy – made clear in the opening scenes when the Vatican calls Langdon to Rome to assist in finding four cardinals kidnapped by the Illuminati, a 400 – year old underground secret society.
The script uses the passing of a beloved Vatican Pontiff and shows the preparations for the Conclave of the College of Cardinals to choose his successor as a fantastic backdrop.
At the same time, a powerful scientific device has been stolen from the beautiful and determined Italian scientist, Vittoria Vetra (Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer – ‘Munich’).
With the passing of the pontiff the Camerlengo (Ewan McGregor – ‘Ghost Writer), assumes day-to-day control of the Vatican until the Conclave selects a new Pope.
Intriguingly, it is one of the four kidnapped Cardinals (known as the ‘preferratti’) who is considered as a successor – provided the Illuminati can be stopped before they kill him and destroy the Vatican using the stolen scientific device.
On learning of this development the clock is ticking on an Illuminati time- bomb as Langdon and Vetra, together with Italian Police and Swiss Guard persist in trying to find the kidnapped Cardinals.
Langdon and Vetra now embark on a non-stop action-packed hunt through several sealed crypts, empty cathedrals and dangerous catacombs following a centuries-old trail of ancient symbols that mark the Vatican’s only hope for survival.
Apart from uncovering the conspiracy within the Vatican is Langdon and Vetra’s efforts in stopping a pulsating bomb count-down
Despite some initial misgivings about the subject matter in his earlier production this time round Howard has made a thoroughly entertaining movie that certainly makes for compelling viewing due in large part to an intriguing and suspenseful script.
Howard also uses the magnificence of Rome for some stunning cinematic shots and made a film that is set to an appropriate musical score.
But it is Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer and Ewan McGregor delivering such convincing performances that ensures ‘Angels and Demons’ is an exciting, fast-paced movie-infused with beautiful recreations of Saint Peter’s square and Basilica.
Adding to its overall enjoyment is the movie’s conclusion – one of the most amazing surprise endings.
There can be no doubt that Howard has endeared himself to the Vatican with this movie, showing Langdon as a redeemer of the Vatican – besides serving as a great promoter of Rome and Vatican City.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
Angels and Demons is televised on Foxtel Movies Thriller at 6.10pm on Saturday 25 December.
