From Yahoo.com:
When Robert Langdon discovers evidence of the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati -- the most powerful underground organization in history -- he also faces a deadly threat to the existence of the secret organization's most despised enemy: the Catholic Church. When Langdon learns that the clock is ticking on an unstoppable Illuminati time bomb, he jets to Rome, where he joins forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and enigmatic Italian scientist. Embarking on a nonstop hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals and even to the heart of the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra will follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that mark the Vatican's only hope for survival.
Like many people who read "The DaVinci Code", I was incredibly intrigued by the possibility of secret societies and ancient clues solving an intricate and deadly puzzle. The so-called clunky writing of the story didn't bother me because I was more caught up in the incredible events that were unfolding on the pages. The thing about books like this is to take them with a huge grain of salt, yet marvel at the possibilities. One of the things I liked about "The DaVinci Code" was how to told of the sacred power of the feminine. In a small way, this was a story about embracing womankind in religion instead of shunning it, and I liked that message.
Now I'm not a religious person, and I never grew up going to church, so I think for someone like me, it's a little easier to enjoy a story like this. However I have several Catholic friends who loved it too, and I remember talking to people, who I had nothing in common with, about this book, and we had the most fun conversations about it. It was a definite "high". So naturally I immediately glommed "Angels & Demons", which was also very enjoyable, though not quite as much the first book. Funny, I'd head the same thing about A&D by those who read that one first.
"The DaVinci Code" on film was clunky and a bit of a yawn-fest. Translating a book like that into a 2+ hour movie is not easy, and maybe it shouldn't even have been attempted unless it was done in parts, because there's just so much going on that it's impossible to capture it all.
"Angels & Demons" was much more entertaining, faster paced, and still full of intrigue. It does make me want to go back and read the book again because there were things I forgot. The idea of the Illuminati existing and thriving, well, I totally get into that kind of thing. True or not, it's fascinating to think about. I saw this with my friend Karen, who has been to Rome and recognized parts of the city in the movie. She's also Catholic, and loved both books. It was fun to see it with someone who understood more of the religious aspects of the film because she grew up going to church and answered a lot of my questions.
So I would recommend seeing this one, even in the theatre. I won't ruin anything for you, but it does leave out one big plot device from the novel, but I think including it would have bogged down the picture. It works well the way it was written.
Rating: **** out of *****
Anyone else see "Angels & Demons"?
Thoughts?
Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 5/23/2009 08:46:00 AM
Thank you Stacy! I've read Angels & Demons and enjoyed it - like you I was caught up in the story and could ignore....certain things :)
byI too have been too Rome, shortly after my travelling companion and I read Angels & Demons actually :) I don't know if I'll end up seeing the movie though...I might wait until it is released on DVD...although I am a bit of a Ewan McGregor fan :)
I skimmed--sorry--but only because I still have to read the actual book and I am eventually going to see the movie.
byBTW, they left out a major part? Usually why the book is better than the movie.
Hope you're enjoying your weekend Stacy!
I'll definitely watch this movie when the blu ray version is released here in Finland. I liked the book!
by