Angels & Demons
Sony Pictures Releasing | Release Date: May 15, 2009
6.2
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 332 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
164
Mixed:
115
Negative:
53
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
9
ScottDOct 9, 2009
I enjoyed this film a lot, despite the length and extension of the action (I enjoyed this actually). I found the film very interesting, there was a fair share of action, but I liked the film more on the way it tells the story, and how I enjoyed this film a lot, despite the length and extension of the action (I enjoyed this actually). I found the film very interesting, there was a fair share of action, but I liked the film more on the way it tells the story, and how interesting it was for me.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
MadDadNov 23, 2011
Great movie, very entertaining with a thrilling story. Again same as Part 1 the "Da Vinci Code" pretty much setup story but...who cares. These are the movies you go to the cinema for.... I love such mystical thrillers of which youGreat movie, very entertaining with a thrilling story. Again same as Part 1 the "Da Vinci Code" pretty much setup story but...who cares. These are the movies you go to the cinema for.... I love such mystical thrillers of which you unfortunately nowadays can only find so few.....Watch it!… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
NazguleroMar 16, 2011
I liked that movie. It kept me watching, which is rare these days. I did not read the book, so I have no comparison to that. I was never bored, the action moved along, the acting was good, Rome was nice and authentic. If all movies made theseI liked that movie. It kept me watching, which is rare these days. I did not read the book, so I have no comparison to that. I was never bored, the action moved along, the acting was good, Rome was nice and authentic. If all movies made these days would have the same caliber, audiences around the world would be happier !… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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8
The_MOWMay 18, 2011
"Robert Langdon" (Tom Hanks) is back, and he has only a few hours to solve a mystery to save thousands of Catholic faithful, and top candidates for role of pope, before an incident which will kill them all as they await the annoucement of who"Robert Langdon" (Tom Hanks) is back, and he has only a few hours to solve a mystery to save thousands of Catholic faithful, and top candidates for role of pope, before an incident which will kill them all as they await the annoucement of who the new leader of the church will be.

Now, "Langdon", along with a woman who helped create antimatter in a lab, must figure out the clues and save the faithful of the world's largest church.

Let me say first that this is much better than the original movie, which I barely remember seeing. You really don't need to read the novel that the movie is based upon to enjoy it.

There are some really good performances in this film, especially from Hanks, who proved himself as a solid leading man many times. Here, he really shines as a leading man.

There is some serious problems with character development with supporting characters, especially "Dr. Vittoria Vetra" (Ayelet Zurer), whose antimatter is being used as a weapon, and "Camerlengo Patrick McKenna" (Ewan McGregor), who turns an interesting plot twist that I never expected at the end, but isn't seen as much as I would like.

Another problem with this movie is that it is obvious that they opted for green screen for many scenes depicting Roman Catholic churches within Rome's city limits (the church refused to allow the movie to be filmed at the locations since the church declared the book offesive to the church). A barely trained eye (which I have since I learned TV production back in high school) could see the actors were in front of a green screen. These effects will become noticeable to the untrained eye as the film ages, and special effects advance.

One thing this movie does pretty well is that it gives very little time for the audience to breathe between action and plot advancing scenes. You get excited as "Langdon" and "Vetra" get closer to the murderer(s) as they discover new clues.

Despite not being able to shoot on location, and the threat of a strike at the time, Ron Howard did a great job in the director's chair as usual. He was able to use interesting camera angles to help tell the story nicely.

I can't really say I noticed the soundtrack of the movie, since I barely pay attention to instrumentals since that's not my style I listen to. I do notice that it helped the scenes, and in this movie it did.

If you see this on any of the movie channels like HBO, or on Netflix, check this one out.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
Tss5078Feb 23, 2013
Angels Demons is the sequel to the Da Vinci Code, and while it's generally said that Da Vinci Code was better, I disagree. When Da Vinci Code came out, I had just seen National Treasure, and there were so many similarities, that I didn'tAngels Demons is the sequel to the Da Vinci Code, and while it's generally said that Da Vinci Code was better, I disagree. When Da Vinci Code came out, I had just seen National Treasure, and there were so many similarities, that I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. Angels Demons does what every sequel aspires to do. It takes the characters we like and puts them in a similar but different story. Tom Hanks is once again terrific, bringing an intensity that few others can match. Following the clues lost in time and the twists and turns thrown in by writer, Dan Brown, Angels Demons is most defiantly a sequel that lives up to the first one and also gives you something to talk about. What else could you ask for?… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
JohnnyStephensAug 30, 2013
Very entertaining and suspenseful!! Ron Howard is a very good director. Watch this movie!! It's obviously very underrated but do not listen to the critics and enjoy it!!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
FuturedirectorMay 27, 2017
Angels & Demons is not a redemption for Robert Langdon trilogy, but there's a notable improvement on its predecessors and a surprisingly thought-provoking ending blesses the conclusion.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
moneylincolnDec 9, 2016
The Acting And Pacing, Is Perfectly timed, Tom Hanks is rather extraordinary, as well Pierfrancesco Favino. If you liked 2006's The DaVinci Code, Then Angels & Demons, is worth your time.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
FatHatman2002Jun 19, 2020
I enjoyed the film, but it's not a masterpiece, ruined my expectations. At least it's a good adaptation to Dan Brown's bestseller. I was fascinated by actors game and costumes.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
JohnAMay 15, 2009
Angels and Demons re-affirm the past dealings of the church with a link to the future of religion. The twist towards the end was excellent. A "MUST' see movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
WiniBMay 15, 2009
No need to compare this movie, on it's own, it made 2 hours go buy quickly. It was however, predictable. I will see it again because on it's merit, it was entertaining and I believe you need to see it twice to see what you may have No need to compare this movie, on it's own, it made 2 hours go buy quickly. It was however, predictable. I will see it again because on it's merit, it was entertaining and I believe you need to see it twice to see what you may have missed. There is always something.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
R.LMay 24, 2009
When I first heard they were making a film adaption of "Angels & Demons" I didn't know what to expect, sometimes these film adaptions of extremely popular books are not as good as the source material. But for once they did very well, When I first heard they were making a film adaption of "Angels & Demons" I didn't know what to expect, sometimes these film adaptions of extremely popular books are not as good as the source material. But for once they did very well, Angels and Demons is prefect summer entertainment in every way imaginable. It's got loads of action, a great story and some very intellectual moments about the maters that go into electing a new pope, it also boast some very good acting on the part of the main and supporting cast, the first one it kind of lagged a little, but his one delivers an unprecedented amount of good out of the park fun. It gives you what you want and doesn't fail to show it. Tom Hanks( Minus his lame hair from the previous film.) delivers an awesome return performance as Robert Langdon, who has really jumped form lowly symbologist to superhero status all in two films. But to reach my point Angels & Demons is a film that won't let you down and will not disappoint fans of the books either, it's a perfect summer movie that when you walk into that theater, sit down and watch this film you'll be walking out smiling knowing that you got your money's worth.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RockyBJun 8, 2009
Best movie I've seend so far. Full of breath-cutting sceans and an ending which you won't expect unless you red the book.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KarlSMay 17, 2009
It was a great movie.It shows the whole Chritian world what politics got into the religion and how corrupt it is.Hopefully will make them rethink and investigate Islam.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ToddDMay 17, 2009
First off I liked the movie. Was it as good as the book? No, it was not. Though the pace was good it lacked the heart pounding, thrilling suspense of the novel. I finished A&D in a matter of days because I simply could not put it down. Did First off I liked the movie. Was it as good as the book? No, it was not. Though the pace was good it lacked the heart pounding, thrilling suspense of the novel. I finished A&D in a matter of days because I simply could not put it down. Did it convey the same sense of awe and wonder in the search for the "God Particle" as a Higgs Boson is known? No. Did it convey the existential crisis that the Large Hadron Collider poses? The spark of Creation in the hands of man? No it did not. A&D is a deep book. Posing huge questions. Do I trust that Director Ron Howard was aware and fully understood this? Yes I do. I believe Mr Howard has given us a smart, beautifully shot picture that is accessible to a wide audience. I thought Ewan McGregor was especially good in his role. Do I think that A&D the novel will get more reads as a result of the film and as such - those new readers are in for a big-time thrill! Its quiet amazing that the archaic rules of the Catholic Church (Conclave, it's Archives, etc.); great works of Master Artist; and real science are the making of a summer blockbuster. Hoo-ray for Dan Brown!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
reedfMay 18, 2009
Just got back from the theater and despite a few unintentional laughs at the strained twists and a weakly predictable fourth act, the wife and I enjoyed this -- but much like the National Treasure films and the recent Indiana Jones,we felt Just got back from the theater and despite a few unintentional laughs at the strained twists and a weakly predictable fourth act, the wife and I enjoyed this -- but much like the National Treasure films and the recent Indiana Jones,we felt like we should be there with our son, and that our son would still echo our sentiments that the grown-up-adventuring thing ran its course and ended with Last Crusade. I give Ron Howard and Tom Hanks more breathing room than they may deserve, as criticism goes, and will be the first to say the movie is a pile of flaws, but I also feel it's worth watching while it's new. I would also rate the music higher than the script and the script higher than the editing -- and am officially no longer eager to see a movie written or adapted by Akiva Goldsman, bleaugh.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
SamMay 28, 2009
I really hate the way some people claim that because others like a popcorn movie they are idiots. At NO POINT does this film say something like: "this FICTIONAL story means that the Catholic Church is corrupt and evil". In fact, for anyone I really hate the way some people claim that because others like a popcorn movie they are idiots. At NO POINT does this film say something like: "this FICTIONAL story means that the Catholic Church is corrupt and evil". In fact, for anyone who paid even the slightest bit of attention, there is only one evil person from the church! There is not supposed to be sexual chemistry, and the action/chase scenes were, to my mind, intriguing and tense, even for one who has read the book and knew the outcome. To correspond to one particular review which annoyed me: The villain does not interfere with the books or the archive chambers; had sole access to the pope and his medication leaving the cardinals and swiss guard no reason to suspect him either in person or on camera; and it is clearly stated that he trained in helicopters with the air force prior to his joining the church. There was NOTHING for the camera's to watch him for, as it was the assassin who did all the actual activities which, whilst extreme are all possible, save perhaps for the infiltration of CERN and the actual kidnapping of the preferriti, which I did find somewhat implausible. The villain's role was that of planning and, with someone who knew the EXACT proceedings of the election of a new pope, the ideas cannot have been too challenging. That said, a main plot hole for me in the film was how the villain found out about the illuminati and their secrets in the first place. I wanted to give this film an 8.5 for these flaws (and some moments of poor dialogue), but rounded up upon reading some of the more negative reviews, although some of the positive reviews (making people investigate Islam? Come off it Karl S that's ridiculous) also seem completely erroneous. Enjoy it as an action movie, at which it excels.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
WilliamTJun 5, 2009
I don't know how or why, but I ended up enjoying this film very much. There's no outstanding reason.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
LuisGJul 16, 2009
Coming in with little notion of what the previous film was despite wide exposure ... angels and demons plays out as a international easter hunt full of clues and chases. Hanks is far more pausible . Ewan pitch perfect. Enough winks to remain Coming in with little notion of what the previous film was despite wide exposure ... angels and demons plays out as a international easter hunt full of clues and chases. Hanks is far more pausible . Ewan pitch perfect. Enough winks to remain grounded.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
TomfromEvanstonMay 15, 2009
Damn good movie. A bit heavy-handed at times, a bit disjointed at times. Overall a great time. Acting was good, directing was capable, story was good. I think it helped that I had read the book and been to most of the locations in the movie Damn good movie. A bit heavy-handed at times, a bit disjointed at times. Overall a great time. Acting was good, directing was capable, story was good. I think it helped that I had read the book and been to most of the locations in the movie (we actually chose Rome based on Dan Brown's book for a vacation). Good pace, exciting, gruesome at times. I liked it a lot.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
IremTMay 15, 2009
This movie was amazing. Not as good as the book, but so much better than The Da Vinci Code. The twists are brilliant (unlike in State of Play).
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
GordonCMay 15, 2009
being the first book that got made last into a movie, Angels & Demons is the better of the two books, I hope the movie dose it justice, oh and one more thing, if your going to be a Critic you must learn to read first, or at least know what being the first book that got made last into a movie, Angels & Demons is the better of the two books, I hope the movie dose it justice, oh and one more thing, if your going to be a Critic you must learn to read first, or at least know what you are talking about… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
TinaWMay 15, 2009
I love ALL Dan Brown's books. I thoroghly enjoyed the story line. A bit condensced for time and varied to keep the audience engaged. I love moives and this was interesting, brought out a little known legend, made fodder for others to I love ALL Dan Brown's books. I thoroghly enjoyed the story line. A bit condensced for time and varied to keep the audience engaged. I love moives and this was interesting, brought out a little known legend, made fodder for others to grasp and possibly take off on. Like DVC It really makes you want to read the book (if you haven't already). I hope that a good Director that is into FX will grasp Deception Point and make a HIT out of that book. Done well, I would buy it for gifts as well as for my Dan Brown Collection. An entertaining movie even at the midnight showing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ChazzRMay 15, 2009
The movie doesn't entertain profoundly - nor does it profoundly entertain. It takes a lot of work to turn a Dan Brown novel into a movie. I don't think the various and myriad would-be movie critiques have gotten over their The movie doesn't entertain profoundly - nor does it profoundly entertain. It takes a lot of work to turn a Dan Brown novel into a movie. I don't think the various and myriad would-be movie critiques have gotten over their superficial preconceived notions about Ron Howard's directing ability or Dan Browns story telling, and therefore, haven't given this movie it's due. The movie does tell a story... and an underlying truth. Whether or not we choose to recognize it, is of course, up to us. In that, lies it's redeeming value. I thought it was a good movie and I recommend it... and when it comes out on DVD, I'm going to buy it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MickHMay 15, 2009
Fast entertaining, beautiful to look at. A very good summer popcorn movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LizCMay 15, 2009
I went to see this movie at midnight on Friday morning. I didn't think I would stay awake but with all the action and suspense, I didn't have a problem keeping my eyes open. BEST movie I have seen in a while.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AlexBMay 16, 2009
After having read the book, I was throughly pleased. Except for the wishy-washy ending, the movie is a fantastic adaptation. What people who read the book and gave bad reviews fail to realize that this is DIFFERENT from the book. It is an After having read the book, I was throughly pleased. Except for the wishy-washy ending, the movie is a fantastic adaptation. What people who read the book and gave bad reviews fail to realize that this is DIFFERENT from the book. It is an ADAPTATION, and a spectacular one at that. If you enjoy being entertained and enjoy good film-making, go see Angels and Demons.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JpMay 16, 2009
Being that it's really hard to make a book, a good book, into a good movie, ron howard did a great job with what he could. Not going to lie, better than Da Vinci Code, and though a little different in some aspects from the book, it Being that it's really hard to make a book, a good book, into a good movie, ron howard did a great job with what he could. Not going to lie, better than Da Vinci Code, and though a little different in some aspects from the book, it still kept me at the edge of my seat.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
LesterOMay 16, 2009
Very entertaining!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
KennyRMay 17, 2009
really more like a 6.5. For someone who has not read the book, I can understand the liking of the movie, especially given its fast pace, action, and plot. However, the movie does not do teh book justice. In order to keep the movie in a really more like a 6.5. For someone who has not read the book, I can understand the liking of the movie, especially given its fast pace, action, and plot. However, the movie does not do teh book justice. In order to keep the movie in a conceivable time frame, Howard clearly decided to omit certain details that are certainly important. His omition of things such as the camerlengo's past, and certain characters (head of CERN cough cough) greatly decrease the movie, but overall a good attempt and I acknowledge the impossible task that Howard was faced with when asked to turn this into a 2 and a half hour movie. Overall, a job well done but read the book… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
LynnAMay 17, 2009
My partner & I have both read the book multiple times and were in Rome for nearly a week 2 yrs ago ... we both LOVED this movie. It's not identical to the book but all books get parts cut when made into movies. We thought the plot held My partner & I have both read the book multiple times and were in Rome for nearly a week 2 yrs ago ... we both LOVED this movie. It's not identical to the book but all books get parts cut when made into movies. We thought the plot held together well & the characters were generally very well developed. Did the writer of Metacritic's description see the same movie we did? I don't think so; this summary was so far off of the plot you really should have somebody different take another stab at it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DanaMMay 19, 2009
Really enjoyed this movie. Twisting and turning at high speed, this movie keeps your attention. I really don't care that thie plot follows history. It was great entertainment and worth my ten bucks.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
davidmMay 19, 2009
Okay, so the movie is more like a 6 but it gets an extra point because it was entertaining. Considering the movie was based on the book, it is a touch out there and unrealistic, but come on guys, there are movie out there about Killer Cell Okay, so the movie is more like a 6 but it gets an extra point because it was entertaining. Considering the movie was based on the book, it is a touch out there and unrealistic, but come on guys, there are movie out there about Killer Cell phones. The A List cast was great, the movie overall was a bit predictable. I would still recommend people go watch it. I would say it was worth spending the money on it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AmandaDMay 22, 2009
Awesome movie! Keeps your attention throughout the whole movie. As good as National Treasure.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DanielGMay 26, 2009
Better than the davinci code in terms of Langdon's intelectual potential. Even if it mentions a lot of fictional events, it touches reality in a sutil way.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
daneMay 28, 2009
My favourite movie of the past few years. Fast paced with interesting history, many brutal yet beautiful scenes that will stay with you for a while after you leave the theatre. The soundtrack is just perfect. Top marks.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JoseGJun 12, 2009
OK, Ok, I admit it, I haven't read the book... yet... but, book aside, I think was a OK action movie... the script was so so... also the acting, but I have no regrets of watching this movie... maybe I change my point of view when I OK, Ok, I admit it, I haven't read the book... yet... but, book aside, I think was a OK action movie... the script was so so... also the acting, but I have no regrets of watching this movie... maybe I change my point of view when I finally get the book.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
BrentP.Jun 16, 2009
Not terribly entertaining, but an interesting story. I read the book and loved it. The movie is a descent translation, but not a substitute by any stretch of the imagination. Read the book, then go see the movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
FataMMay 15, 2009
I thought it was very deftly done--never flagged, stayed true to the book. I found it enormously entertaining!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ChristopherGMay 15, 2009
A very good adaptation of the book, but with some changes which led to the credibility of the story, and makes Robert Langdon a better ally to the church, rather than a perceived enemy
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SusanCMay 16, 2009
I loved this movie as well as the first one. I had no idea that the movie was as long as it was because I was lost in it. The cinematography was great. The tension and pace were excellent. I still like the first one better.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
TDKinDallasMay 17, 2009
An entertaining night at the movies. I was wondering what they were going to do with some of the wildly unbelievable stuff from the book. They just left it out. Bravo. Nothing special, sort of a procedural, worth a watch.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ChrisCJul 24, 2009
Surprisingly good, much better than the DaVinci code movie IMO. Flowed pretty well.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MarkF.Nov 17, 2009
A genuinly enjoyable thriller. Fast paced, an intelligent plot, and amazing production values. A little disappointed with how loosely adapted this film was from the Dan Brown novel, but Ron Howard at least pulls some twists of his own to A genuinly enjoyable thriller. Fast paced, an intelligent plot, and amazing production values. A little disappointed with how loosely adapted this film was from the Dan Brown novel, but Ron Howard at least pulls some twists of his own to allow the story to keep flowing. A brilliant movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
asylumspadezNov 19, 2011
The acting was good and it is suspensful and keeps you interested through out. Was no where near as good as the previous film was and I was actually a bit disapointed with it because it abandond the puzzles (which made the first film so good)The acting was good and it is suspensful and keeps you interested through out. Was no where near as good as the previous film was and I was actually a bit disapointed with it because it abandond the puzzles (which made the first film so good) and had far too much violence.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
jp992751Jan 18, 2011
Much better than The Da Vinci Code but the subject matter (symbolism and the likeness) is a very hard sell going from book to the big screen. At times Tom Hanks having to explain things felt so out of place, yet it was necessary to keep theMuch better than The Da Vinci Code but the subject matter (symbolism and the likeness) is a very hard sell going from book to the big screen. At times Tom Hanks having to explain things felt so out of place, yet it was necessary to keep the plot moving. Angels and Demons might have been ranked a bit higher for me but I was unfortunate (or fortunate depending on how you look at it) and read the book before seeing the movie and as the movie strayed so far from the book I became a bit annoyed thus making my viewing experience not as enjoyable. But if you haven't read the book by all means watch the movie as it will give you a heck of a good thrill ride with some extremely disturbing visuals.… Expand
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8
dylan365vMay 9, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Angels and Demons is the sequel to 'The DaVinci Code' both based on the novels by Dan Brown. Angels and Demons is the first in the novel series but second in the movies and tells a fast paced story about a bomb threat that could potentially wipe out Vatican City. Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is a representative from Vatican City and is asked to help find the bomb hidden somewhere in the Vatican.

On top of the general bomb scare, the pope has died two weeks previous and now conclave (where the college of cardinals vote in the next pope) is about to begin. Then to add even further to the plot, the preferiti (those most likely to be voted as the next pope) have been kidnapped by the same people who planted the bomb, the Illuminati.

Angels & Demons brings you on a fast paced story, which leads you all around the fabulous city of Rome. Not only do you get an amazingly gripping plot, but you also get a history lesson from the brilliant minded, Robert Langdon. You get a sense of history of the Catholic Church in Rome after you see church after church whilst following clues that lead Langdon to the kidnapped cardinals and eventually to the bomb. The movie shows some brilliant acting throughout, whilst running from church to church the actors essentially have to 'walk the walk' and 'talk the talk', especially Hanks who informs you of facts that you might not have known about Rome and the Catholic Church.

In general, a very interesting movie and very attention grabbing. No matter what age you are (once you can grasp the concept and are remotely interested in religious history) you can enjoy this movie. Sadly though Angels & Demons was not received in the box office as well as The DaVinci Code was, but it is still a good movie.

Positives: Fascinating and attention grabbing plot with great acting all round.

Negatives: Doesn't live up to the hype of it's predecessor. Nowhere as good as the novel. I give it a 8/10.… Expand
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8
eagleeyevikingDec 29, 2013
The movie Angels & Demons pales in comparison to its novel but is nonetheless thrilling, exciting and more compelling than its film predecessor. 7.6/10
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8
ShadowUApr 27, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is what The Da Vinci Code could have been. It's quick and suspenseful and brief on the details, because it understands that the details here are dumb. The "puzzles" are silly, just thinking about them for 2 minutes makes it plainly obvious how silly they are. So the movie just skips over that stuff and focuses more on the suspense, with some great cinematography, which are its strong points.

The ending in particularly stood out as incredibly stupid, it made no sense at all. However, I didn't really mind that too much, I was fairly satisfied at the end because the movie was overall pretty gripping. I didn't feel like laughing at how stupid it was like I did with The Da Vinci Code, so that's a major step up.

Superb performances by all the actors. Was great to see Tom Hanks actually do something in this movie! Fantastic performances by the supporting cast, too.… Expand
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7
GerardistheWayNov 10, 2016
I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that this is the best of the Dan Brown novel adaptations. Whether that statement should be taken positively or negatively is up to you, dear readers.

Why Tom Hanks has decided that this filmI don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that this is the best of the Dan Brown novel adaptations. Whether that statement should be taken positively or negatively is up to you, dear readers.

Why Tom Hanks has decided that this film series would be his only live-action sequels (so far) is a bit beyond me. He's a terrific actor, and without his presence the films would be completely and utterly unwatchable (especially "The Da Vinci Code", which was mostly standing around in darkened rooms explaining the movie and giving people a good nap for the price of their tickets), but I can think of a number of other much better films he's appeared in that possessed a lot more sequel-spawning potential. Ron Howard has had some good movies, even some great movies ("Apollo 13", "A Beautiful Mind"), but it's kinda hard for one's film to be considered an action thriller if most of the plot is expositional dialogue on account of the fact that your audience likely has no f**king clue what in the hell you're talking about (if its mission was to inspire curiosity, though, then it succeeded; I spent a week or two reading about both the Catholic Church and the Illuminati afterwards). It should also be noted that while "Angels and Demons" in its movie form is a sequel to "The Da Vinci Code", it is a prequel in its novel form. I guess there's nothing saying it can't happen in the rules of film adaptations, I'm just saying that you ought to warn fans of the novel if you plan on pulling a stunt like that.

The story again follows Professor Robert Langdon (Hanks), who is summoned to Rome by the Vatican following an infiltration at CERN (one of the few times the scientific facility is mentioned, in a part largely reduced from its role in the novel) that leaves a priest dead and a large sample of antimatter stolen. A fax (yes, a fax) sent to the church leads them to believe that an old enemy long thought extinct, the Illuminati, has returned for revenge for persecution they suffered several hundred years ago. The method through which they intend to obtain such revenge is kidnapping the four "preferiti", the favorite Cardinals to succeed the late Pope as head of the Catholic church, and killing one of them each hour according to the ancient scientific elements (I'm hoping I don't need to explain what they are) before using the stolen antimatter like a bomb to annihilate Vatican City and part of Rome. As far as revenge schemes go, why always the convolution? Can't they just do what normal people do, and leave angry comments on their official website? Anyways, throughout this little escapade he is assisted by a CERN scientist (Ayelet Zurer), whose basic function in the movie is looking hot and giving Langdon someone to talk to, as well as the Vatican's chamberlain (Ewan McGregor; fun fact, chamberlain is actually the English translation of "camerlengo") as he zigzags across Rome following an ancient treasure map of sorts to the bad guys' hideout (I'm honestly surprised no one found it sooner. It's in a fairly publicized place, somewhere that I have no doubt hundreds of tourists visit daily) in the hopes of stopping a mysterious assassin (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) hired to carry out the secret society's dirty work.

The movie tries to present you with several different suspects as to who could be the mastermind behind these attacks, namely the secretive and seemingly untrustworthy Commander of the Swiss Guard (Stellan Skarsgard) and the Dean of the Cardinals' College (Armin Mueller-Stahl), though anyone who's read the novel--or keeps up with celebrities--can guess from their status who's going to turn out to be the true villain here. Regardless, there might be a few things you weren't expecting as, like the case for any movie adaptation, some trimming has been done and some more major characters have been reduced to bit parts or cut out completely (one thing a lot of you fans of the novel might not like is no Max Kohler. I feel like I'm not spoiling too much by saying that). These edits make the film leaner, meaner, and better looking/working in some parts, but also takes away from some crucial backstory about several of the characters (the priest killed at the beginning isn't Vittoria's father as in the book, thus cutting out a large amount of the time spent on her), including a secret tie between the Pope and the camerlengo that more or less sets the events of the story in motion that is missing.

The performances are excellent from the main cast and competent from the supporting actors, and despite the film's implausibility bordering on complete absurdity, it is enjoyable enough to warrant the DVD purchase (it can't be more than, like, 5 bucks, depending on where you look for it). You might be better off skipping "The Da Vinci Code" and going straight to this one (I didn't see the first film until a year or two after seeing this one). 7/10… Expand
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 25, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I found the plot confusing and the pace was slow to start with, although it certainly sped up after a while. I thought it was relatively intriguing and tense, even though I was a bit baffled about the context of some of whats discussed. Its true to say I haven't read the Dan Brown book its based on - I haven't the Da Vinci Code either though. Its still pretty watchable, even if the religious context of the plot leaves you a bit confused. There are some perhaps surprisingly bloody/violent scenes, more in terms of injuries shown than necessarily active violence committed in front of the screen, for most of the film. I found myself wondering what truths may be discovered, attempting to second guess what might come to light next.

I think the character of Robert Langdon suits Tom Hanks well, being a perhaps somewhat academic and yet also philosophical, thoughtful character type. Ewan McGregor plays Camerlemgo Patrick McKenna, who works at the Vatican. I thought it was interesting seeing him play such a different type of character to those of his other drama type films.

There are some instances of decent cinematography, such as when the Vatican is shown with massive crowds of people gathered outside/nearby, hoping to see the first signs of the new Pope having been agreed on. Also, I should perhaps point out that if you don't like reading subtitles then be aware as there are a number of times in which subtitles appear on screen to translate from Italian and other languages.

I found it an intriguing and somewhat entertaining watch, so its not bad. Its not a bad film, not great but good I'd say.… Expand
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7
mikesgold2KJan 11, 2023
Zdecydowanie lepsza niż poprzednia odsłona, lepsze zagadki oraz ogólny klimat koncentrujący się na Kościele i jego władzy. Warto obejrzeć mimo niedociągnięć
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