This spectacular cinematic feat deserves much more than to be referred to as ‘a sequel’. Following the million-making blockbuster The Da Vinci Code, it’s fair to say many critics had long ago decided that Angels and Demons would fail to be as popular as its successor. However the film far surpasses any former expectations or prejudices that may come as a result of being labelled ‘a sequel’, as it splashes on to the big screen with a sense of defiance; Angels and Demons is a triumph in its own right.
The story begins as Vatican City is struck with grief as the death of the Pope is announced. As the Cardinals prepare to select a successor, one of the Preferiti (the favourites to be elected) is found gruesomely murdered. What’s more is that his scientific project, a canister of antimatter, has been stolen. With the canister in the wrong hands, the safety of Vatican City is dramatically jeopardised. Thankfully Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), Symbologist come Private Investigator, arrives heroically to announce that the Illuminati (ruthless enemy of the Catholic Church) are behind the developments, and sets out to hijack their murderous actions. Langdon soon encounters Vittoria Vetra; who acts as his Bond girl, bringing some insightful knowledge to the quest, but primarily looking stunning whilst stood alongside him.
A further four of the Preferiti are kidnapped and an announcement from the Illuminati is made that they will kill one man per hour until midnight; when they will explode the antimatter canister resulting in the whole of Vatican City being engulfed by a blinding ball of light. This horrific threat leads Langdon to embark on a race against time following cryptic clues leading him through the Path of Illumination which will take him to the ancient secret meeting place of the Illuminati; where he believes the murderer is hiding the kidnapped Preferiti along with the potentially explosive canister.
Magnificent Roman backdrops juxtaposed with demonic orchestral music really adds to the film’s enormity. The pace is considerably faster than that of The Da Vinci Code, which was a little sluggish at times. Unfortunately Ewan McGregor’s performance let the side down as his acting was (dare I say it?) a tad bland. However even this didn’t dilute the spectacular explosive sequence which served as the climax of the whole film. The scene was unashamedly unrealistic with CGI used to hurl people and debris across the screen recklessly. Yet when you look passed the unrealistic nature of the sequence, this indulgently dramatic display really completed the film.
The story Angels and Demons is centred on the corruption and conflict between science and Catholicism; however with lavish sets, a frantic race against time and extravagant CGI sequences, this film has all the hallmarks of a triumphant blockbuster worthy of entertaining the masses. I recommend this film to anyone, and assure you; you shan’t be disappointed with this ‘sequel’.
