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

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HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 1.5/5.0
Rating: 1.5/5.0

CHICAGORon 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.

StarRead 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.

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

‘Angels & Demons’ stars Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer, Ewan McGregor, Armin Mueller-Stahl, and Stellan Skarsgard. It was written by David Koepp & Akiva Goldsman and directed by Ron Howard. It opens on May 15th, 2009. It is rated PG-13.

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

Eric's picture

The Hair Says it All

I think there’s an obvious correlation between the quality of the film and the length of Hanks’ hair.

Anonymous's picture

I like Tom Hanks,especially

I like Tom Hanks,especially his great movie Forrest Gump in the year 1994.

Anonymous's picture

good

good article and thank you

Anonymous's picture

i like tom hanks!!

i like tom hanks!!so much.!!!

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