Preview: Angels & Demons (2009)

Synopsis:

Based on Dan Brown's hit novel, this prequel to The Da Vinci Code brings back Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) on a quest to save the Vatican from a terrorist attack by the infamous shadow organization the Illuminati.

• Poster: B; C-

Review:

Beautifully crafted and fits perfectly with the trailer. While it's not the glossy, overbearing poster a lot of movies have been using lately, it is simple, yet detailed enough to be engaging.

Amidst a sea of red-robed figures, it seems there's a greater symbolic purpose, but it appears to be lost somewhere in the execution.

• Trailer: B; C+; B+

Review:

It seems unusual to say, but until Tom Hanks walks onto the screen, the movie looks dark and gothic in town, but his presence somewhat mutes the tone.

Choppy and hard to follow, this TV spot is distracting at best and won't do much to sell the film to audiences that weren't already planning to see the film.

It's amazing how movies made by directors you don't care a lot for can actually look amazing. This trailer not only looks interesting, it caters to the conspiracy theorist in all of s and may do wonders pullin in an audience. Hanks doesn't look that good and I'm still confused by Ewan McGregor as a priest...quite a departure from the drug-addled teen in Trainspotting.

Oscar Prospects:

The first Dan Brown-Tom Hanks-Ron Howard collaboration didn't score with Oscar voters. I doubt this outing will either.

Release Date:

• May 15, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

A mess of a thriller without a single audience-engaging puzzle in sight.

• Full Review: Angels & Demons

-Wesley Lovell (November 9, 2008) Original

-Wesley Lovell (January 18, 2009) Buy the Poster Enabled

-Wesley Lovell (February 8, 2009) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (March 1, 2009) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (April 19, 2009) New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (April 4, 2010) Added Review Link