Tom Hanks worth watching...

Rating: 7/10 (24 May 2009)

More often than not, Tom Hanks can make even a middle of the road movie watchable. (Sure, there have been a couple that make you cringe- anything wherein he attempts an accent of any sort, for instance-, but he's one of the few performers whose mere presence can make a good movie a Great movie.) As a supporting star, he even made a soccer ball look good (I wept with him when the stalwart Wilson got lost at sea). Hanks can, by virtue of a look alone- no expression, just a blank look, using only the Eyes and a tightening of the Lips- bring one to the verge of an emotional chasm that must perforce be crossed if one is to continue on. I **** you not. He does it in ANGELS AND DEMONS, wherein he plays a cross between Sherlock Holmes and James Bond. Ron Howard does an excellent job as Director (as is his wont) and the cinematography has to be seen to be appreciated, but it's the last 20 minutes or so of the movie that's troubling. Had the movie ended when it clearly SHOULD have (with a noble sacrifice), I would've been obliged to rate it a ten. As it stands, it's a sometimes thrilling thriller and rates a solid seven. See it.