Angels & Demons

Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon, a symbologist (he deduces clues by reading ancient symbols), in this sequel to The Da Vinci Code. Yes, I said sequel, for although the book version was written before The Da Vinci Code, the screenplay is set after Langdon’s plodding investigation of a sect bent on hiding church secrets. This time out, he’s tracking down a centuries-old clandestine group determined to destroy the Roman Catholic Church. Or so he thinks.

Forming an uneasy alliance with the papal police, Langdon embarks upon a nonstop, action-packed hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, and the 400-year-old Path of Illumination in order to decipher clues that will save four kidnapped Cardinals and locate a destructive mechanism able to destroy the Eternal City. 

If you are wondering if all those anti-A&D articles that upon reflection seem more self-promoting than enlightening, were accurate assessments of the film’s intent, the answer is no. There are other problems with this film, but heresy is not one of them. 

Angels and Demons is a mix of fast-paced, action-pumped, nonsensical deeds of derring-do, blended with a tug-of-war theme between science and religion.  But is it an attack on the Christian faith?  Again, I say no. 

Yes, it ponders the question of scientific supremacy, but never does it belittle religion – only those who corrupt it. And when asked by a priest if he has any belief in God, the Hanks’ character professes that he hasn’t been given such a gift. That’s as close as he’ll come to admitting the existence of a Divine planner. But at no point does he refute the existence of God. There’s even a statement at the end of the film declaring that the world needs both science and faith. The statement is meant to satisfy those who believe science created God, and those of us who believe it to be the other way around.

Though one must do that whole suspension-of-disbelief thing (to give examples of the film’s silly situations and illogical premises would divulge plot points), if you are able to leave all reasoning at the box office, and if you are forgiving of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci conspiratorial suggestions, then you’ll be able to enjoy its armchair-grabbing thrills, be mesmerized by its gilded Renaissance glow, amazed by a meticulous production design, and subdued by the auteur’s visceral directorial style.

There is one other aspect to consider, however. Overshadowed by the Da Vince debate and ignored by those who equate action adventure with blood and gore, Angels and Demons is excessive in its violent shock treatment. The film does contain several disturbing images, including torture, in-your-face shootings and blood-splattering executions – not to mention one guy setting himself on fire and burning up before our eyes. 

The film is rated PG-13 for one profane use of God’s name; several people are either shot dead at close range or suffer forms of torture; other extreme visuals include a rat gnawing at a dead man’s face; a trail of blood that leads to a plucked-out eyeball; and another man is nearly drowned. 

For a more detailed review, check out the free website, Previewonline.org, where Phil Boatwright reviews films from a Christian perspective.