Fast paced, exciting, worthy adaptation of a great book.

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2009)

I went into this movie a little apprehensive because The Da Vinci Code film left a lot to be desired and since I had read Angels & Demons, I knew this latest film would have a lot to live up to. That being said, I thought that Ron Howard did a much better job this time. It wasn't 100% loyal to the book but the few changes that were made were arguably for the better. The pacing of this movie was a lot better. It was exciting from start to end and unlike in The Da Vinci Code, the dialogue actually kept me on the edge of my seat with anticipation of where it was all going. The score was outstanding! It gracefully shifted from dark and ominous during the dialogue scenes to explosive and thrilling during the "Path of Illumination" scenes. The entire production of this film was a lot more tight, refined, and exciting. It's a true testament to the film when both my girlfriend (who did not read either Langdon novels or see The Da Vinci Code film) and myself (who read both books and saw T.D.V.C.) both had a great time watching this movie. The scene in the Vatican Archives with Langdon trapped was thrilling and the murders of the preferiti were all done perfectly. Hanks' depiction of Langdon was spot-on and his ability to decipher the clues along the "Path of Illumination" while doing so at a frenetic pace were truly believable. The end was a little bit forced but to those who did not read the book, they will be surprised. Kudos to Howard and Hanks for elevating their game a notch on this one.