Fascinating story, relentless pace make this a great watch!

Rating: 8/10 (24 June 2009)

Professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), an expert on symbols, is called to Rome post haste. Although they are keeping things quiet, the authorities tell Langdon horrible news. The Pope has died and the four strongest candidates to succeed him have been kidnapped by a terrorist (Nikolaj Lie Kass). The assassin has declared that beginning at 8:00pm that evening, one of the Cardinals will be killed every hour on the hour, at area churches. It appears that the killer is working for The Illuminati, a group of scientists with a long history of war with the Catholic church, reaching back 500 years. As if that was not enough, the killer has stolen an "anti-matter" device which will be exploded at midnight and which will annihilate anyone within 20 miles of Rome. Ugh. Langdon works feverishly to unravel the mystery, with the help of the head of the Swiss Guard (Stellan Skaarsgard) and the late Pope's personal assistant, Patrick (Ewan McGregor). But, when 8 o'clock tolls, the Prof and his group reach the church a couple of minutes late to save the first Cardinal. How will they fare into the night? This is a very exciting and fascinating story with a relentless pace and a fine, fine cast. Hanks is truly great as the sardonic, nonreligious expert and McGregor succeeds in his meaty role of a troubled soul underneath an innocent demeanor. The supporting cast, although unknown to this viewer, are also very good, with special mention to Kass for his deeply scary role as the assassin. Naturally, the scenery in and around Rome is amazingly lovely and costumes, camera work and other film niceties are of the finest caliber. As for Howard's direction and the tantalizing story, they deserve much praise, for there is no time to catch one's breath before the next big event. On a humorous note, Howard has cast his father, Rance, in the role of a southern-drawl Cardinal and it is too, too funny. So, if you thought this was a flick to skip, do reconsider your decision. This one will fulfill any thinking man or woman's wish for a night of sound entertainment.