Travis Simpkins: Angels & Demons (2009): Tom Hanks, Robert Langdon and the Illuminati

Directed by Ron Howard, with a screenplay co-written by Akiva Goldsman, Angels & Demons (2009) was based on the acclaimed novel by Dan Brown… but takes drastic liberties with some elements of storyline set down in the book. The basic tenets of the plot remain intact: Harvard University Professor and Symbologist Robert Langdon is called by the Vatican to lend his expertise in the investigation of the abduction of four Preferiti during Conclave after the death of the Pope. A centuries-old secret society called the Illuminati, seeking retribution in the war of Science and Religion, plans to brand and murder the Cardinals and implode Vatican City by detonating a volatile canister of Antimatter stolen from the CERN laboratories. Robert Langdon must seek out information in the works of Galileo and Bernini in the Vatican Secret Archives, follow a secret path of art markers through the street-maze of Rome and find the antimatter before it is too late. Much of the characterization that worked so well in the book is lost… whole individuals are missing, other interrelations between sets are muddled… particularly in regard to Vittoria, Langdon and the Hassassin. Otherwise, the film offers a great deal of visual splendor and Baroque artwork displayed against the intriguing paradox of modern Rome and Vatican City. From St. Peter's Square to the Pantheon, the story is fast-paced and exciting. Tom Hanks is great as Robert Langdon. Ayelet Zurer is lovely as Vittoria Vetra. Ewan McGregor does a fine job as the Camerlengo. The rest of the cast is good as well, including Stellan Skarsgard, Pierfrancesco Favino, Nikolaj Lie Kaas and Armin Mueller-Stahl.