My thoughts on "Angels and Demons"

Yesterday after knocking off from a busy day at work, I went to Iluma once more, this time to watch "Angels and Demons", sequel to the much lauded 2006 film "Da Vinci Code". Obviously the film is a lot different from the novel, for some important plots have been removed to avoid controversy among the Catholic Church (like how the film adaptation of "The Da Vinci Code" did with the myth of Jesus being "married" to Mary Magdalene and having descendants; that plot alone was absolutely stupid).

It all starts with the death of the original pope as well as an antimatter canister being stolen from the CERN labs. Worst of all, the 4 cardinals touted as hot favorites to succeed the late pope had been kidnapped and placed at indifferent historical landmarks. The carmalengo Patrick McKenna played by Ewan "Obi-Wan" MacGregor seemed to be a'n angel of sorts' when he assisted Robert Langdon (played by the versatile Tom Hanks), Vittoria Vetra (played by some hot Israeli babe named Ayelet Zurer) and the FBI in locating the stolen antimatter canister, then flying a helicopter as high as possible and escaping from it in a parachute before the canister exploded in midair, preventing a calamity from occurring at Vatican City. But then Langdon and Dr Vetra eventually found out the truth that Patrick was behind the death of the previous pope as well as 3 of 4 cardinals (each branded with marks of the 4 elements, disposed of by a hired assassin who looked a bit like Christian Cage), and that he was also behind the theft of the antimatter canister... he did all this with hopes that he could be ordained as the new Pope. Which means to say that instead of being the so-called savior proclaimed by the people, Patrick was actually a demon in nature (something like a 'wolf in sheep's clothing')... to think that he could repay the sincerity of the papal conclave by hurting them and plotting against them. And when Patrick realized that his secret had been exposed, he chose the coward's way out by immolating himself in the basement of the church.

Overall this film is many times better than "The Da Vinci Code", not to forget more action-paced and suspense. I found the crazy dash across the various streets of Italy somewhat like a 'wild goose chase'... but had it not been for the bravery and quick wit of Robert Langdon, the church would still be kept in the dark on Patrick's evil plans. Best part of all was, the public never got to know the actual truth, and that's probably the best way to salvage the reputation of the church. I rate this film 7 out of 10 stars, quite worth the watch for anyone ranging from Christian believers to people who would love to go to Rome on holiday. I myself would love to go to Rome too :-)

P.S. Firdaus is truly a demon due to what he did... I could go on mentioning a few more names who share a similar trait, but truth is I'd rather be putting a lot more focus on the angels (from true friends to fellow Christians to fave artistes) who have left a lasting impression to me. In a good sense that is :-)

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_%26_Demons_(film)