A HALLOWED QUEST

In 2006, a very conflict-ridden film called The Da Vinci Code hit the Philippines and it was Rated-18 . This year, the sequel to that film which is more violent got a Rated-13. It’s quiet perplexing now. Let’s not talk about the unreasonable MTRCB anyway. Instead let’s just rave about this latest Ron Howard film. This award-winning auteur learned his lesson. If you find TDVC a bit slow and soporific, well Angels and Demons is way much better. Let’s join Langdon’s new adventure.

FILM SYNOPSIS: In Vatican City, the Pope has just died, Until the Conclave selects a new Pope, Patrick Mackenna, the Camerlengo assumes day-to-day control of the Vatican. Reporters, nuns, priests and faithful catholics all crowd into St. Peter's Square, waiting for the white smoke from the Conclave. But the Illuminati, a 400-year old, underground secret society of scientists, kidnaps the four most likely candidates (preferiti) before the Conclave goes into seclusion. The Illuminati threatens to brand and publicly execute them, choosing methods of murder linked to the four elements, earth, air, fire and water. They do this as vengeance for 'La Purga', when Illuminati members were cleansed of their sins and executed. They then threaten to destroy the Vatican, using the highly explosive anti-matter. The Vatican summons Symbologist Dr. Robert Langdon and Vittoria Vetra from CERN to help them solve the Illuminati's threat. Langdon must follow symbols concealed in Vatican City to find the kidnapped priests and save the city from a tense end.



I entered the cinema with only few hours of slumber and I was a bit soporific. But “Angels and Demons” contains some perky ingredients which is similar to my favorite energy drink. The fast-paced scenes are good enough to keep me stirring. Even if some scenes are really “impossible” but you won’t even perceive them because Mr. Howard knows how to swathe loopholes with his impeccable direction. I haven’t read the novel coz I want to experience enthusiasm inside the cinema. Undeniably, I felt it throughout the film. What I really love is Langdon’s quest for the clues. I’m such a sucker when it comes to sleuthing.




The most dazzling thing about this film is the production design.Wow!!! I believe they must have spent millions for the sets. The cinematography is simply stunning. Ron Howard’s camera works wonderfully because most of the shots are amazing. The non-stop suspense is also overwhelming and you will definitely enjoy the ride in Vatican and Rome. I don’t want to spoil if you haven’t seen the film yet. But there’s a major twist which is more explosive than the bomb!!!! I almost cried when the “Camerlengo" saves the city”. It feels good to see him doing a heroic job. Oh God it’s really lachrymose. Then moments later: SLAP ON MY FACE!!!!! Ha ha ha!!! Watch it!The other most important thing that holds the film beautifully is Hans Zimmer music. This time he must be nominated for his great original score!!!



Thanks God Langdon has a new haircut! Tom Hanks is still outstanding for the role. He is never boring. Meanwhile, Ayelet Zurer who plays Vittoria is remarkable coz her chemistry with Hanks is spot on. But I still love Audrey Tautou in The Da Vinci Code. Ewan McGregor is quiet young to play for the “Camerlengo” but he is really great. His accent is too sexy for a priest.



I will buy the novel soon coz I believe that there are more secrets in the novel which aren’t revealed in the film. I strongly suggest that you should watch this one. This is a much improved Langdon’s quest. The momentum is uncontrollable and the twist is just crazy!!! Just don’t watch this film with your brain busy working and scrutinizing the plausibility. Just let your eyes enjoy the holy visuals. It works this time even without the code.