Tom Hanks, Ron Howard Misfire With Ridiculous ‘Angels & Demons’

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Rating: 1.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Ron Howard’s “Angels & Demons,” the sequel to “The Da Vinci Code,” is an absolute mess, a film that tries hard to break free from the dull tone of its predecessor but ends up even more ridiculous, frustrating and generally worthless.

As if in response to the criticisms about the dull nature of the 2006 blockbuster that spawned it, “Angels & Demons” tries to be a faster-paced, more enjoyable thriller than the first film, but Howard and screenwriters David Koepp & Akiva Goldsman make the cardinal sin of playing an over-the-top story ridden with plot holes with a straight face.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Angels & Demons” in our reviews section.

I had read both of the Dan Brown books - “Angels & Demons” actually came before “The Da Vinci Code” but the chronology has been switched theatrically - and actually thought that this Robert Langdon adventure might make a better film. Without spoiling anything, the climax of Brown’s book is downright loopy and I read the book with a smile on my face, thinking it could be a tongue-in-cheek, Indiana Jones-esque adventure story, far less self-serious than the 2006 film.

So, I was even more frustrated as “Angels & Demons” unfolded with nary a hint of humor, wit, or any sense that the filmmakers needed to do more than just adapt the bare bones of Brown’s plot to get people to buy a ticket.

Continuing reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “Angels & Demons” review.

Tom Hanks stars in Columbia Pictures suspense thriller Angels and Demons.
Photo credit: Sony/Zade Rosenthal