If you read the book, prepare to be disappointed

Rating: 4/10 (18 May 2009)

Of the people I saw Angels & Demons with, only 2 of us had read the book. And everyone besides the 2 of us liked the movie. I think we would've liked it as well had we not come in with such high expectations from an amazing novel.
The problem is how far they stray from the novel for seemingly pointless reasons. The character of Maximillian Kohler (director of CERN and suspect in the bomb threat) is completely absent from the movie. The real villain's reason for the attack has been altered so much that it doesn't even question the same issues of the religion as intended in the story. And what on Earth was the point of changing the final Illuminati symbol?! One of the most fascinating parts of the book was the artistry of these designs, and they left out the most incredible one. There are also dozens more differences that will irritate any fan of the book.
If you've read the book, just watch it on DVD if at all. If you haven't read it, go see it and my guess is you'll love it. I'm sure I would have. I think from now on, I'll read the book after the movie to avoid disappointment, because the books always seem to be better. But hey, at least Tom Hanks got rid of that weird wannabe mullet from the first film.