Film Gecko » angels and demons

The Hangover still tops at box office – June 12-14, 2009

Jane Boursaw — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:45:00 +0000

“The Hangover” is a smart, funny movie, and audiences are liking it, too. The buddy flick scored high at the box office this weekend, even though it’s been out for two weeks. Here’s the rundown from Box Office Mojo:

The Hangover, $32.79M
Up, $30.76M
The Taking of Pelham 123, $23.37M
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, $9.61M
Land of the Lost, $8.99M
Imagine That, $5.50M
Star Trek, $5.45M
Terminator: Salvation, $4.78M
Angels & Demons, $4.11M
Drag Me to Hell, $3.93M

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Museum Takes Box Office – May 22-25, 2009

Jane Boursaw — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:20:48 +0000

Tops at the box office this weekend was "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian." I wasn’t that crazy about the movie (read my review here), but it’s the only new family flick out right now, which is why I think it scored high. It wasn’t bad; just wasn’t as good as the first movie. Take a peek at the numbers from Box Office Mojo:

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, $70M
Terminator Salvation, $53.82M
Star Trek, $29.40M
Angels & Demons, $27.70M
Dance Flick, $13.10M
X-Men Origins: Wolverine, $10.10M
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, $4.83M
Obsessed, $2.50M
Monsters vs. Aliens, $1.90M
17 Again, $1.28M

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Angels & Demons Review – A mix of talk and action

Jane Boursaw — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:48:20 +0000

Movie: Angels & Demons * Clips & Trailers * Official Site	In Theaters: May 15, 2009
Runtime: 138 minutes	Directed by: Ron Howard
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of violence, disturbing images, and thematic material	Gecko Rating:

One thing people didn’t like about “The Da Vinci Code” was that the first part of the movie included lots of talking and explaining of the symbols and history. Still, it would be difficult to have a movie like this without the explanation, unless you’re a symbologist yourself and know what’s going on.

“Angels & Demons,” a sequel to "The Da Vinci Code" also based on a book by Dan Brown, includes quite a bit of explanation in the early scenes, as well. It’s kind of funny, because at one point, Tom Hanks’ character, Robert Langdon, looks at the Cardinals and says something to the effect of “Don’t you people even know your own history?” I had to laugh, because while I felt like Langdon was explaining a lot to moviegoers, it’s probably true that many Cardinals and priests don’t know their own history either.

The good thing is that Langdon doesn’t explain things in a preachy way. He seems to really love his work and love sharing it with others – even us sitting in the theaters.

The story begins with Langdon swimming in a pool at Harvard University, where he teaches symbology. (And way to go, Tom Hanks! He’s definitely logged some gym time for this movie!) The Pope has died, and just as a conclave of Cardinals is about to gather to elect a new one, four of them are taken hostage by a group claiming to be the Illuminati – an ancient society known for being at odds with the Catholic church.

The group announces that they’ll publicly murder each of the Cardinals, then detonate a canister containing powerful anti-matter created in a top-secret lab run by Dr. Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer). Exactly why this anti-matter is being made, I’m not really sure.

Langdon and Vetra join forces in a chase across Rome to follow the symbols, figure out where the Cardinals are being held, and stop the group’s diabolical mission. Meanwhile, also caught up in the story are the Pope’s right-hand man, Patrick McKenna (Ewan McGregor); the high-ranking Cardinal Strauss (Armin Mueller-Stahl), and Swiss Guard head Commander Richter (Stellan Skarsgard).

Aside from the overly talky parts of the movie (which, as mentioned, are pretty much a necessity when you’re explaining Catholic lore, conspiracies, and traditions), I loved all of the scenes in the Vatican’s underground tunnels, the streets of Rome, the churches, and the Vatican Archives, a highly guarded area that contains shelves and shelves of Catholic info. There’s a funny/dramatic scene that takes place in the Archives, which I won’t reveal. You’ll have to see the movie.

Overall, I wouldn’t mind seeing “Angels & Demons” again. It’s a fun, well-acted movie with some interesting plot twists and turns.

NOTE TO PARENTS: This movie has quite a few graphic scenes: Cardinals are “branded” with a symbol on their chest, and characters are imprisoned, stabbed, burned in a fire a la Joan of Arc, and shot. One even has an eyeball torn out – we don’t see the act, just the disembodied eyeball later. Language includes “damn,” “hell,” and “goddamn it.” Because of the violence, I don’t recommend it for kids younger than 14, but for older kids, “Angels & Demons” is well acted and features an interesting storyline and locations.

Images: Angels and Demons, Sony Pictures Releasing, 2009

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New in Theaters – May 15, 2009

Jane Boursaw — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:58:04 +0000

The long-awaited "Angels & Demons" is in theaters right now, along with Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody in "The Brothers Bloom." Here’s the rundown:

Angels & Demons (PG-13). When Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) discovers the resurgence of an ancient brotherhood called the Illuminati, it could pose a serious threat to the Catholic church and the world. A fun look inside the mysteries of the Vatican. [Film Gecko Links] [Official Site]

The Brothers Bloom (PG-13). Con-men brothers Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody go on a cross-global adventure. [Preview & Trailer] [2-Minute Clip] [Official Site]

Management (R ). Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn, and Woody Harrelson star in this romantic comedy about two people trying to find their place in the world. [Jennifer Aniston at the NYC Screening] [Official Site]

Image: Angels and Demons, Sony Pictures Releasing, 2009

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Angels & Demons – Pics of Ayelet Zurer, Ewan McGregor, Tom Hanks

Jane Boursaw — Fri, 15 May 2009 03:12:45 +0000

"Angels & Demons" hits theaters tomorrow, and the stars are out and about promoting the film around the globe. Check out 13 clips and trailers here, and the Rome photo call here.

Directed by Ron Howard, the prequel to 2006’s "The Da Vinci Code" finds symbolist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) investigating the murder of a physicist, Leonardo Vetra. It all revolves around a secret brotherhood called The Illuminati, and Langdon, along with Vetra’s daughter, Vittoria (Ayelet Zurer, pictured at "Good Moring America" on May 14) end up searching for a destructive new weapon that could kill millions.

Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence, disturbing images and thematic material, "Angels & Demons" runs 138 minutes (so if you sneak snacks into the theater, bring lots).

More pics after the jump…

Ewan McGregor visited "Good Morning America" in New York City on May 13, 2009 and played a round of horse-shoes while there!

Tom Hanks visited "Good Morning America" in New York City on May 11, 2009 to promote the movie, as well as the Oscar Mayer Weiner Food Bank donations drive.

Ron Howard attended the "Angels & Demons" premiere in Rome, Italy on May 4, 2009.

Images: INF

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Rome photo call for Angels and Demons

Jane Boursaw — Thu, 07 May 2009 03:33:53 +0000

The stars of “Angels & Demons” (in theaters May 15, 2009) came out for a photo call in Rome, Italy on May 3. And it must have been windy that day! Ayelet Zurer, who plays Vittoria Vetra, had a tough time keeping her hair from flying all over the place.

The sequel to “The Da Vinci Code” is directed by Ron Howard and stars Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, and Stellan Skarsgard. Hanks returns as Robert Langdon, now working to solve a murder and thwart a terrorist act on the Vatican. It’s all centered on a mysterious brotherhood called the Illuminati.

Check out movie stills here, 13 clips and trailers here, and photos below of Ayelet Zurer, Ewan McGregor, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, and Dan Brown.

Images: INF

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13 Clips and Trailers for Angels & Demons

Jane Boursaw — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:21:51 +0000

I’m ridiculously psyched for “Angels & Demons,” the sequel to “The Da Vinci Code.” Directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, and Stellan Skarsgard, the movie brings back Hanks as Robert Langdon, now working to solve a murder and thwart a terrorist act on the Vatican. It’s all centered on a mysterious brotherhood called the Illuminati. In theaters May 15, 2009. Check out movie stills here.

Angels & Demons – “In Need of Access”:

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Angels & Demons – “Breaking Out”:

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Angels & Demons – “The War is On”:

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Angels & Demons – “The Set-Up”:

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Angels & Demons – “The First Marker”:

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Angels & Demons – “One Way”:

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Angels & Demons – “Fire”:

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Angels & Demons – “Church vs. Science”:

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Angels & Demons – “The God Particle”:

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Angels & Demons – Full-Length Trailer:

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Angels & Demons – Director Ron Howard and stars Tom Hanks and Ewan McGregor discuss the Illuminati:

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Angels & Demons – Teaser Trailer:

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Angels & Demons – Superbowl Spot:

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"Angels & Demons" – Win a Trip to Rome! – VIDEO

Jane Boursaw — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:54:00 +0000

Want a free trip to Rome? Me, too! And you might have the chance – along with some other cool prizes – if you enter MSN.com’s "Angels & Demons" Path of Illumination Contest. Watch the teaser trailer below for more info. If a Film Gecko reader wins, maybe you’ll send back mini-travelogue bits during the trip for me to post.

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Sony Pictures 2009 Film Preview

Jane Boursaw — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:31:27 +0000

Here’s a look at what’s on tap from Sony Pictures for 2009. Some great films!

I’m especially looking forward to "The Pink Panther 2," "The Ugly Truth," "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans," and "Angels & Demons." And I’m REALLY curious about "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs," because that was one of my kids’ favorite books.

Which of these movies are YOU most looking forward to?

"Not Easily Broken" – Jan. 9, 2009

"Paul Blart: Mall Cop" – Jan. 16, 2009

"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" – Jan. 23, 2009

"The Pink Panther 2" – Feb. 6, 2009

"The International" – Feb. 13, 2009

"Fired Up" – Feb. 20, 2009

More after the jump…

"The Ugly Truth" – April 3, 2009

"Obsessed" – April 24, 2009

"Angels & Demons" – May 15, 2009

"The Taking of Pelham 123" – June 12, 2009

"Year One" – June 19, 2009

"2012" – July 10, 2009

"Julie & Julia" – Aug. 7, 2009

"District 9" – Aug. 14, 2009

"Mardi Gras" – Aug. 28, 2009

"Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" – Sept. 18, 2009

"Armored" – Sept. 18, 2009

"Zombieland" – Oct. 9, 2009

"The Stepfather" – Oct. 16, 2009

"Planet 51" – Nov. 20, 2009

Image: The Pink Panther 2, Columbia Pictures, 2009

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"Angels and Demons" – Behind the Scenes VIDEO

Jane Boursaw — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:23:06 +0000

I just posted the teaser trailer for "Angels and Demons," and here’s a fun behind-the-scenes look at the movie, premiering May 15, 2009. I’m pretty much on board with anything Tom Hanks does.

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