Angels & Demons - Theatrical Review

"Angels & Demons" has advantage to its predecessor in many respects but, in following up such a successful partner, the road can become rocky. But where "DaVinci Code" failed in many ways, "Demons" succeeds, most assuredly in pace and ease of story. The story, taken from the original prequel novel, actually uses the impact of the actions of "Code" to motivate reactions here. It is quite an effective and booning approach. In doing so, it creates a more humble and less critical Robert Langdon (played by Tom Hanks) who is much more wily and slimmed down. It is also buoyed by the setting of Italy. France as a superstructure works but there is something at times more devious and sexy in the auspice of Italy. Unlike "Code", "Demons" has an inherent pace to it that in its first hour is reminiscent of some of the "Bourne" films sans the big action set pieces. This is also buoyed by the less amount of exposition allowed within the narrative which is much leaner than the previous film. In "Code", there was an excess of explaining why things were and getting caught up too much in its mysticism especially with the one cylinder. Here the dialogue is quick, brief and to the point for the most part.On another level, the Italian physicist does not overtake the role but rather lets it inform the story. The storytelling and tone, despite some of the grand settings, is more subdued which works to the film's advantage. In terms of supporting characters, Ewan McGregor channels an interesting brand of himself but the role as it evolves towards the end loses a bit of its footing (specifically in one scene). Despite this, grand cinematic gestures make certain moments quite cool (also in the last 1/4 of the movie). Armin Muellar Stahl, as a highlight, brings a great stillness to his role which ends having the most poignancy. The last scene really brings this home and puts the film in perspective. This is one of Howard's most telling endings and it shines through across the board: wonderfully structured, wonderfully acted and well shot. The only glaring problem within the film is the thinness of the enemy character even though it is structured in metaphor. It just seems to be a glaring plot hole, although the internalization professed in the book would not have translated that well. Even despite these shortcomings, the film is a better piece on its own than its predecessor that brings a visceral yet humble nature that further humanizes Langdon as a character making him more identifable and vulnerable. Out of 5, I give "Angels & Demons" a 3 1/2.