Somewhat gimmicky but very good

Rating: 9/10 (26 November 2009)

Prof Langdon (Hanks) has 4-hrs to locate the kidnapped Cardinals and find the bomb that will destroy the Vatican.
I stopped reading Robert Ludlum novels (The Bourne this and that) as my page-turning hand couldn't keep up with the breakneck pace of the clues given. As I watched this movie I was reminded of the Ludlum novels and saw the parallels. Once the first clues were given we were off to the races. The music also played a big part and helped us run around Rome like a Wild Mouse (a ride at Coney Island) on the loose. The clues and the music made the 2+hours seem like minutes. It was over so quick. What a ride.
Basically, this is a movie that tries to show the differences between Science and Religion. The Science part presents itself in the guise of a secret society called the Illuminati, who have been around for hundreds of years. The Religion part is represented by the Catholic Church.
I call this somewhat gimmicky only because of the racing around to get to the next clue to discovering where the kidnapped Cardinals are and ultimately to where the bomb is too, but this is an excellent production. We get to see a lot of Rome ( I would also suggest you pause the DVD for those moments so you can get a good look). The acting is first rate by all. Also, the dialogue makes us feel privy to the inner workings of the Vatican. And, there is humor injected as well.
Now, the getting around Rome traffic (to get to he next clue) in a matter of mere minutes is sheer Movie Magic. Can't be done. Been there, done that.
I didn't know there was a person called the Camerlengo (McGregor) who has the power of the Papacy when a Pope dies and until a new Pope is elected.
Of course, near the end of the movie all is revealed and there is a twist I didn't see coming. Will you?
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: No.