Yes, revenge. (Angels and Demons (DVD))

Member Name: Vaula

Product:	Angels and Demons (DVD)
Date:	09/07/09 (145 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An enjoyable watch regardless of its flaws, at least for those who liked The Da Vinci Code.

Disadvantages: Weak plot, story doesn't flow or come together, some of main cast in the wrong place.

I was looking forward to seeing this film, despite all the damning reviews, as I really loved The Da Vinci Code (the film, haven't read the book) despite its flaws.

Angels and Demons sees Professor Robert Langdon, played by Tom Hanks, called to the Vatican after the death of the Pope, to decipher clues relating to the kidnapping of the 'Preferiti', the four candidates for the election of the new Pope.

The film doesn't manage to drum up the same intrigue as Da Vinci Code. Both films rely on hidden symbols and meanings, but in Angels and Demons the scenes where these are revealed fall flat for some reason. The Da Vinci Code had the great end sequence which, coupled with the beautiful theme song, was strong and worked well on me, at least. It also included an interesting sequence set in Teabing's castle, where a lot of the symbolism in Da Vinci's "Last Supper" was discussed. Angels and Demons doesn't have that revelation sequence that sucks you in.

The film is riddled by a weak plot that sees Professor Langdon and his current female sidekick often be the only ones creeping their way into dark corners, simply because the police force hasn't bothered to show up, or has run in the opposite direction for no logical reason regardless of a lot of shouting asking them not to. The storyline doesn't seem to flow as well as it should in a film of this budget. The film seems like a puzzle, that gets repetitive too soon, as the pieces don't really seem to fit together to form a cohesive whole.

As for the actors, Ewan McGregor is monumentally miscast. Many of the important scenes he is in could have been quite powerful if his character would have been portrayed by someone else. Ayelet Zurer as the female sidekick is also quite unconvincing in the first scenes she appears in, but gets more watchable as the film goes on.

Still, as I find everything to do with symbolism and conspiracy theories childishly exciting, regardless of its faults the film was thoroughly enjoyable. The older actors with presence and charisma, such as Armin Mueller-Stahl portraying Cardinal Strauss, save the day.

I would imagine that Angels and Demons would appear more powerful and poignant to audiences in the Mediterranean countries where the might of the Catholic church is still strong, whereas we, Western audiences in Anglican/ Protestant countries, so used to our secular society, aren't so moved by the implied repercussions of the potential fall of the institution once so powerful.

Summary: Doesn't hold a candle to The Da Vinci Code.