A Twisty and Heart-Pounding Thriller

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2018)

I must begin this review by stating that I have not read this novel. However, I suspect that it's source material is one of this film's greatest aids as the strongest aspect of it is definitely the story.
The plot involves a plan to murder four Vatican cardinals and effectively destroy the Catholic Church. Robert Langdon follows a path of clues in an effort to save the cardinals and the Church. This story sets itself up for constant intensity as you know that there are always lives on the line. It also takes place in just about 12 hours with very urgent pacing, making the narrative even more of a ticking clock.
In addition, I enjoy Langdon's knowledge and how he is able to piece together the clues and follow the path. It's interesting and you constantly want to know more.
Besides the wonderful and involved story, the picture also boasts impressive performances from its cast. I have yet to discover a bad Tom Hanks performance, and here he brings a definite sense of knowledge and urgency. Meanwhile, Stellan Skarsgård and Ewan McGregor bring necessary depth to their characters as you find out that they are not what they appear to be.
Hans Zimmer's score is loud and epic. It adds gravity and weight to some of the film's most important moments and lightens up for the rare quiet moments.
Ron Howard directs the piece with a very large scope and tries his hardest to make the story seem large and important. Given how intense most of the film is, this is a wise decision that really helps the audience understand how vital everything is. It's a double-edged sword, however, as Howard's direction is also the biggest flaw of the movie. It doesn't occur often, but there are some scenes which should be quieter and more reserved, but which come off as overly bombastic due to his frenetic direction. This only happens in perhaps two scenes, though.
All in all, I greatly enjoy this film. I find it interesting and intense throughout, and the involved plotline is always moving. As a work of entertainment, I definitely recommend it.