Angels & Demons

Director: Ron Howard
Caste: Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer, Ewan McGregor
Rating: ****

After the dissapointing film adaptation of 'Da Vinci Code' comes 'Anegls & Demons' directed by Ron Howard. The book was written before 'Da Vinci Code' and in many ways better adapted by Ron for a movie.

Plot:
Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) a Harward professor is called to identify ancient symbols after a murder in CERN laborotaries. Four cardinals are kidnapped in the vatican city during the mass enclave to elect a new pope. Tom Hanks is requested to help save the cardinals who are threatened to be killed every hour. The group calls themselves "Illuminati" a 400 year old scientific secret society who are back for revenge against the Vatican for persecuting scientists in the past.

The movie becomes a run chase where Tom Hanks and CERN scientist Ayelet Zurer look for clues inside the Vatican state where the cardinals are held hostage. They have also stolen the latest explosive material called the 'Anti-matter' from CERN to destroy the Vatican state.

How Tom Hanks gathers all the clues within split seconds will remain a mystery. He is the expert here who knows all the secrets about the Vatican.

Despite its flaws on narration the movie holds your interest throughout its length. Tom Hanks is a pleasure to watch especially when he takes a dig at the Vatican for its misdeeds. Ewan McGregor is adequate in his role as the the priest in charge after the Pope's death.
There has been a few changes from the novel to make it less confusing for the viewers. For the average viewer it will be difficult to understand about 'Illuminati' , 'Anti-matter' and all the other things. Please research a little before watching the movie, you will enjoy it.

I would give it a good rating for its slick direction and pace.