A couple of years ago, we learned with the Da Vinci Code that maybe some books just shouldn't be changed into a movie because they lose some of their magic. Sure, they can be fun, but you can tell that something is missing. Now I won’t say that the film version of Angels and Demons is a waste of time, it’s actually really entertaining, it just doesn’t have the power of the novel.
Before I can really delve into the body of the film one thing must be noted: Tom Hanks changed his hair up for this one. Can I get a hallelujah?
Speaking of religion… Angels and Demons brings about another Robert Langdon mystery that takes place before all that pesky questioning Jesus stuff of the previous film. This time around he heads to the Vatican to help find the path that will lead to four Cardinals who have been kidnapped during the ceremonies to find a new pope. Oh yeah, and the kidnapper might be working out of revenge on behalf of the Illuminati, a group of pro science thinkers who were believed to have been stomped out by the Church. No matter what the case, it is up to Langdon and his knowledge of symbols to save the day.
All right, seeing as I am writing a review about a movie with some major religious subject matter, I feel like I have to get something off my chest. The end of the last paragraph was a slight fib. I know, I know. It’s a horrible thing to do, but just hear me out. Langdon is brought in because basically he is the only one with all the knowledge and detective skills who can see what everyone else can’t in order to solve this puzzle. However, I slightly lied because this doesn’t really come off in the film. In other words, once Langdon gets to the Vatican there is no question that he is going to start putting two and two together. And in this case, he doesn't even break a sweat. All he has to do is think really hard, start rambling about all these clues, maybe ask someone to translate something, connect the dots to his “oh yes! I see!” moment, and we are good to roll out. Sure, he is racing against the clock so there isn’t enough time to sit down and sip some coffee over a slew of papers with fancy drawings and lines of rhymes, but the fast pace of the film actually works against the problem solving aspect of these stories. Instead, all Langdon has to do is show up at the site, look around, and within seconds he seems to be ready to move on. It’s just a little too convenient, causing Langdon to look a little stupid for always showing up a little too late.
This second installment of the clue solving adventures of Robert Langdon is a little bit of a let down, especially in the repetition (how many times does the power really have to go out just as they are getting to that area of the city?) and “going through the motions” feel to the action. So again, I will say that if you want to experience this adventure as it was meant to be (you know, one with tension), then I really suggest reading the book version of Angels and Demons.
Final Grade: B-
P.S. – Tom Hanks has got nothing on Ewan McGregor.
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