After the critical flop that was The da Vinci Code, many were skeptical that the follow up, which stars the same actor (Tom Hanks), is directed by the same director (Ron Howard) and is based on a book by the same author (Dan Brown), would be any good.
However, it instead goes far above and far beyond da Vinci in every way imaginable. The movie begins with the sudden death of a pope. Just as the College of Cardinals are about to go into congregation to elect the next pope, the four "preferiti”, or those most favored for being the successor of the pope are kidnapped.
At the same time, Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer from Munich), her lab partner and research team have created a substance known as antimatter, capable of destroying Vatican City and Rome. When her partner is murdered and branded in the chest with the ancient sign of the Illuminati,
Enter Professor Langdon (Tom Hanks), who is called in by the Swiss Guard because of his vast knowledge of symbols. When Langdon arrives he receives news that the canister containing the antimatter has been stolen and will explode by midnight that night if not discovered. Thus begins the adventure--though similar to da Vinci, the execution is done much, much better.
Langdon’s character comes alive as store-house of knowledge. Capable of quickly locating the important symbol in a room of thousands, he continues to impress viewers with his quick problem solving. Langdon’s female ‘partner-in-crime’ Vetra also contributes her help with her scientific knowledge, use of Latin and some knowledge of the churches. Though not portrayed as Langdon’s intellectual equal, Vetra helps to fill in the blanks for viewers by listening to Langdon explain his discoveries. Camerlengo Patrick McKenna (Ewan McGregor from Star Wars) plays the former pope’s favorite priest who following the pope's death, acts as head of Vatican City until a successor is chosen. Ewan McGregor handled his role well.
To some, the fast moving pace of the movie may be a turn off, because little time is spent dwelling over the controversies and the plot skips straight to action. As a viewer I saw the fast moving plot as a way to keep the viewer wanting more. For those action lovers, this movie is action packed and dramatic as ever. The movie worked just as the page turner novel, keep viewers on the edge of their seat waiting for the next major turn in plot.
The movie sets are drawing to the eye taking place over all different areas of Rome. Hitting up many of the major areas tourists would be interested to see, the movie acts as more of an adventure through Rome rather than a thickness of plot. The screenplay writers made sure to pack in the history of Rome to make up for the spaces in time. Though there the movie is fast pace, there is a lot of emphasis on the problems at hand: a time-bomb with the discovery of the antimatter and the choosing of a new pope. Overall the movie is great for action lovers, as well as movie lovers in general.
