Angels and Demons (2009)

Director: Ron Howard

Starring: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer

Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon works with a nuclear physicist to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist act against the Vatican during one of the significant events within the church.

‘Angels and Demons’ is the sequel to the controversial ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Although once again dealing with the Church, it’s not as controversial and merely an action thriller set in the Vatican.

Tom Hanks returns as Robert Langdon, who is called in by the Vatican to solve a mystery and save the Vatican. Shortly after the death of the Pope, four cardinals were kidnapped from the Vatican. The culprits are believed to be the Illuminati, who threatens to execute the cardinals at specific times. A canister of antimatter has also been stolen, and will be used to destroy the Vatican.

The film therefore becomes a race against time for Langdon to find the clues that will lead him, a nuclear physicist and a team of policemen to the antimatter. There’s a lot of information here to consume. They give so much information, which I’m not sure whether it is indeed fact, all fiction, or part fact/part fiction. Someone as ignorant as me on the particular subject would never tell the difference, but it certainly does make for interesting viewing either way.

With all its traditions and beliefs, Christianity almost comes across as a cult, and a very selfish one at that. The Vatican sure do believe they are the chosen ones, don’t they?

‘Angels and Demons’ has a beautiful score, good cinematography, and is reasonably fast-paced, ensuring a wonderful, thrilling movie.

‘Angels and Demons’ earned nearly $486 million on a $150 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Yes.