Iffy for 14+
Talky, violent conspiracy thriller will bore kids and teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this adaptation of Dan Brown's pre-Da Vinci Code novel about ancient religious conspiracy theories and a secret society has more deaths than the first movie. The action starts with a gruesome murder and theft, and the violence continues throughout, as cardinals are taken hostage and killed in public, shocking ways. Plus, it's implied that prominent priests and the Vatican's Swiss Guard conspire to commit murder and cover up scandals. Language is generally mild, and there's no sex to speak of; some characters smoke.
- Families can talk about the film's premise. The first movie's central conspiracy theory upset Christians across the globe, but this one has been deemed inaccurate but "harmless" by the Catholic Church. Why the change of perspective?
- In general, does controversy help promote a movie?
- Discuss how the violence in this movie compares to the first one. Does it have more or less impact? Why?
The good stuff
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Messages: Messages are mixed. In general, the film is packed with conspiracy theories, cover-ups, and manipulation.
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Role models: Role models are mixed. The main characters act heroically and risk their lives for theCatholic Church, even though they're not members. But another characterhires a contract killer to torture and murder men of faith just tofurther his own agenda.
What to watch for
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Violence: As in the previous film, the movie has a great deal of violence -- and it actually has more deaths than the first movie. Cardinals are literally branded, and three are killed gruesomely. A character is shot, and his eyeball is torn out; characters are routinely shot or stabbed to death. One lights himself on fire, while another is burned a la Joan of Arc.
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Sex: Not an issue
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Language: Mostly mild; words include "hell," "damn," "goddamn it," "go to hell," etc.
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Consumerism: Prominently featured vehicles include a fancy SUV and Mercedes Benzes.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some of the cardinals are shown smoking cigarettes, as is a member of the Swiss Guard.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
Too many liberties were taken! by mskoalaroo
As a fan of Dan Brown's books, I cannot fathom the amount of liberties taken with the story. The DaVinci Code movie was HORRIBLE for those familiar with the book. They tried to make this movie better, but I feel that they failed. They call it a sequel to the DaVinci Code, but it's supposed to take place prior to that story. Tom Hanks is a great actor, but he is nothing like the character and frankly he just can't do this character. The only similarity Hanks has with Langdon is they are both American. That's it! Hanks looks great for his age, but he's 15 years older than the character. He is stiffer in this character than in anything I've seen him in. So many storylines, characters, etc were changed that the movie is ruined for anyone who has read Dan Brown's work. There is so much more to the book, regardless of the fast paced timeline, than could ever be conveyed in this hatchet job of a movie. Shame on those who were a part of this nightmare!
4
missing key elements by jta_movies
i felt that the changes between the book and the movie were fairly distracting, and took away from the movie. maybe i'm just being too picky towards the details but still took away from the movie for me. if you've never read the book i'm sure you'll love it though.
4
Worth it by willIAMamoviegoer
Angels and Demons makes a valiant effort to follow the book. It strays a bit and doesn't introduce an interesting character in the boss at the proton collider but it does give you action, drama, and outstanding performances from Tom Hanks, Ewan Mcgregor, Ayelet Zurer, and Stellan Skarsgård to name a few. For those of you who have read the book, you will enjoy this interpretation but we'll say " O I liked the book better! ", I did but I enjoyed the movie too because what I imagined happened on an enormous screen instead of my head. For those of you who haven't read it, you'll love it. So go see it and enjoy a night at the movies!
5
It was good! by fjsn417
This was a much better adaptation of Dan Brown's novel, compared to the first attempt in DaVinci Code. If you had not read the book it would have kept you guessing who the "demon" or "bad guy" was right up until it is revealed. The city of Rome was wonderful to see and the acting was...well how can you say anything bad about Tom Hanks.
1
Maybe if you don't remember the book by Zigs503
i was so excited about this movie i got a group of friends together and went to the midnight premier...I recently reread the book to refresh my memory. BAD IDEA!!! The movie butchered just about every single detail in the book; half the lines weren't even said by the correct characters, they cut out so many (what i think to be) vital parts, changed character appearances, religions, etc, any thing they didn't cut, they changed. Just about the only thing they got right was the order of the earth, air, fire, water brands (which the event surrounding each were wrong). I could go on and on about the details but i don't want to ruin anything for those who plan on seeing it. Overall I am extremely disappointed in it and do not recommend paying 10 bucks to see it unless you haven't read or don't remember the book
5
Good, not great -- but you HAVE to see it! by Waterwild
Having read both books (DC is, in fact, the sequel to A&D), this was clearly the lesser of the two. And the movie is remarkably true to the book, so Ron Howard should be given his due for clarity and accurate translation. And, as with most sequels, it does not live up to its predecessor. But is the logical outcome based on the source material for each movie.
That being said, this is still a "must see" movie because it will become part of the cultural landscape (a certainty, given the Vatican's opposition). It is interesting, intellectual, fast-paced, and has a double-twist ending -- essentials to any summer movie. The book does not challenge anyone's fundamental religious beliefs, and may be seen by those who avoided DC.
3
If you liked the book you will like the movie by Shadowbozo
The movie was just like the book. It had real boring parts but overall wasn't that bad.
It is a long movie so be prepared to sit for well over 2 hours.
5
Angels & Demons by jlsegul
Put Tom Hanks in the lead, with Ron Howard as the director and how can you go wrong. This film has plenty of action and plot twists which will keep you engrossed to the very end. It is one of those movies that will have you thinking about it days later. Definitely a must see.
5
Angels and Demons by ajocook
Defnitely a must see movie. Lots of twists and turns. The action never seems to stop and you won't see the ending coming.
4
It's just a movie, but a good one by bazo
Sure, Tom Hanks is too smart. Sure the premise of a conspiracy so twisted in the church is silly. But, all in all, in the end, it works. Maybe because it all flows so fast. Plus, with a back drop of Rome (oooh my, how awesome is ROME!!!) it can't miss.
Overall the movie was slick; just an exciting piece of entertainment.
The only real knocks are: Hank's character (Langdon?) is just too smart with this stuff, and try as they might to throw you off the track of the real bad guys here, it still shows through the cracks too early.
Enjoy the escape sceen in the Vadican archive library; nice touch of humor.
Just don't get caught up in the religon vs. science debate; the movie isn't that good.
No, I didn't read the book; but I hear its better (no surprise, they usually are).
Enjoy.