Angels & Demons

Angels & Demons. – 2009

 *** Out of ****

It is the mark of a truly talented director to smoothly flow between Oscar nominated dramas and big budget summer blockbusters, as is it to take the criticisms of a previous franchise instalment and buff and polish the sequel into a superior, smoother film.  That is precisely what director Ron Howard does with the second Dan Brown adaptation Angels & Demons, cleverly folding what would be bloated subplots and somewhat ridiculous chapters into a more streamline narrative; mostly loyal but cleverly translated. 

Howard re-unites with Tom Hanks, who again stars as symbologist Robert Langdon.  A prequel to the mega-hit The Da Vinci code on paper but interpreted as a sequel on film Angels & Demons progresses more quickly, talks less, features some solid supporting performances and has a spectacular final, effects-driven climax. Alas, even with most of the right moves and even more genuine intention Howard’s film is simply not as good as the book, neither in cleverness or pacing.  In the novel, Langdon’s revelations are able to be drawn out and incorporate far more clues and twists and turns.  Moreover, the much loved science vs. religion dispute is far better utilized as are the dark history of Rome and the origins and intentions of the secret society of the Illuminati which is the true spine of the story. 

Scooped up by the Vatican late one evening and jetted off to The Vatican, Robert Langdon again finds himself in danger adjacent to history, religion and ancient lore.  Following the death of The Pope, and the subsequent induction of the next, an old threat rears its head once again.  The ancient society of The Illuminati has come for revenge after centuries of suppression and secret annihilation at the hands of the church. Marring the ancient tradition of papal election is the kidnapping of the four preferiti (the cardinals most favoured to success the late Pope) and a bomb threat which could boast a devastating end to Vatican City.  Langdon follows the ancient clues of the Illuminati along with a lovely scientist (Ayelet Zurer) who created the bomb which now threatens them all, Inspector Olivetti (Pierfrancesco Favino) and Camerlengo McKenna (an excellent Ewan McGregor) the Pope’s temporary successor and adopted son.  Time runs out as Langdon and his team race to recover the four Cardinals held by a deadly Illuminati assassin (who if I may say is completely badass) and ultimately the bomb. 

Aside from the understandable nuances lost in the adaptation, a number of climatic elements were dropped that I found somewhat disappointing.  I will not reveal them here, but if you are a fan you will pick them out easily.  Thankfully though this will serve as no detriment to those not experienced with the Dan Brown’s works and should still unfold as a satisfying finale.  Technically, Angels & Demons is impeccable as are the shots of Rome and The Vatican.  Howard’s choice to assemble an international cast and not concern himself with cramming countless A list stars into the production is admirable and ultimately an asset.  Hanks is adequate but is overshadowed by McGregor but helps the cast round out nicely in the end. This will not likely be the last we will see of Robert Langdon and here is hoping Howard et al can one-up themselves again and cap off an entertaining, if uneven, mystery trilogy.