I Am A Citizen Of The WORLD

Even before this movie was released, the controversies had began. And, believe me, that’s a good sign. For controversies arouse interest and the movie is lapped up. On that score Ron Howard directed Angels And Demons (AAD) has done pretty well for itself with $48.0 million in North America over the opening weekend piping past last week’s release Star Trek. It has grossed $ 152 million worldwide. It remains to be seen what its fate would be in the coming weeks.

AAD is an American film adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel by the same name. It is the sequel to The Da Vinci Code (TDVC) although it was published and took place before the novel TDVC. Tom Hanks reprises the lead role of Robert Langdon. The film has so far got positive reviews from the critics no matter the controversies.

AAD revolves around the murder of several top Cardinals in Vatican City due to an ancient rivalry between the secret society of Illuminati and The Roman Catholic Church. So, you got the picture that religion (God) is involved and so is science of physics (man). It is a good recipe for controversies. And we have a good number of them here.

Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) goes to Europe to analyze a symbol seared into the body of a murdered physicist. As part of his discoveries, Langdon finds an ancient brotherhood, the Illuminati. It has resurfaced to carry out their vendetta against the Catholic Church.

Langdon along with the scientist Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer), who is also the adopted daughter of the murdered physicist goes behind the Illuminati. Vetra is also carrying a battery needed to keep the antimatter container from losing its content field and blowing up the Vatican.

Langdon is there to decode the symbols and clues left by the Illuminati and also trying to stop the ritualistic murders of four Cardinals, who have gone missing. The cops are clueless where to search for the missing Cardinals. The horror begins when the missing Cardinals are murdered one by one. He must also try to prevent the bombing of the Vatican City.

So much for the plot of the film. Nothing exciting here but where religion is involved controversies follow just like bees after honey.

A priest has said that the church does not want to be associated with murders. Others allege there are anti-Catholic sentiments in the movie. A critic has said that the movie may create confusion and may bring about stereotypes. Some have even called it not suitable for children.

India too has joined in. Based on local Christian communities, parts of the movie were censored. The Hindus too have expressed their disapproval that it unnecessarily plays with the sentiments of the faithful for greed.

Even a few Jews and Buddhists have joined the protests. The surprise is the official Vatican newspaper has given it a positive review.

Because of the touchy topic, the film was shot in a Vancouver, Canada studio rather than in Vatican City. The music is composed by Hans Zimmer with “Chevaliers de Sangreal” track. Violinist Joshua Bell is also featured.

Don’t compare it with action flicks like Monsters vs. Aliens or X-Men Origins: Wolverine or even Star Trek. These movies gave a thrill and kept the viewer engrossed. They were the true paisa vasool. AAD is not in the same class mainly due to its subject.

Hanks has certainly turned in a marvellous performance and so has Zurer. But Hanks looks aged. At 52, he is far from the Hanks of Sleepless in Seattle or Forrest Gump. But then, cinema is a visual medium. It shows the good along with the bad in full view. It doesn’t spare anyone. And age is never kind to anyone as it advances. It leaves its marks.

For some this movie may be angelic while for others it may turn out to be demonic. It all depends on your perception and personal interpretation. It may be viewed as God vs. Man or Church vs. Science. Whatever it may be, go with an open mind to view it. Bias can definitely colour opinions and leave a divided house.

The movie cannot be compared with TDVC and lacks interest due to lack of a viable plot. But it makes for a decent watch. If you like watching chases, then this one is for you. It is a never ending chase. So, try it out if you like running or planning for a marathon race.