Four years ago, director Ron Howard and star Tom Hanks worked together to bring one of literatures most popular modern classics to life with Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. Now, in an attempt to recreate the worldwide success, both are back, this time taking Robert Langdon to Rome for the religious thriller Angels & Demons.
Set amidst some of the world's most fascinating architecture in the heart of both Rome and the Catholic religion, the stage was set for an electrifying thriller of mass proportions. And while the film didn't quite live up to the action packed roller coaster ride that is present throughout the book, it still stayed enough on course to give entertainment enthusiast a good run for their money.
Starring as lead protagonist Robert Langdon, Tom Hanks reenters the story with a fresh set of eyes and a full slate of knowledge. However, unlike other series, this film never reflects on the works of The Da Vinci Code, and with good reason. Set a few years prior to the incidents that you may or may not have already seen, the film isn't bogged down with previous information, allowing fans and newcomers to receive the same exhilarating experience.
But the true force lies within the story. Centering around the election of a new Pope, as well as the fictitious rebellion group known as the Illuminati, the film takes you on a wild adventure of religion, corruption and murder. The four election frontrunners and a scientific discovery give the film a deeper, more controversial church vs science feel; ultimately creating another fascinating layer to the already complex story.
The intensity, kept up through much of the film, forms goosebumps on your arm as you work to piece together the clues, anxiously awaiting the unfortunate outcome that seems predetermined. The actions, crisp and fluent, compliment the film's cohesive play of events, allowing everything to mesh together fluidly and serve its main purpose of pure entertainment. And though you might begin to understand the movements and recognize the clever foreshadowing early on, there is no denying the overall effect as Angels & Demons outperforms its predecessor ten fold, finally bringing attention to the best of Dan Brown.
