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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"Angels & Demons"

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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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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Angels & Demons – “In Need of Access”:

Angels & Demons – “Breaking Out”:

Angels & Demons – “The War is On”:

Angels & Demons – “The Set-Up”:

Angels & Demons – “The First Marker”:

Angels & Demons – “One Way”:

Angels & Demons – “Fire”:

Angels & Demons – “Church vs. Science”:

Angels & Demons – “The God Particle”:

Angels & Demons – Full-Length Trailer:

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

Angels & Demons – Teaser Trailer:

Angels & Demons – Superbowl Spot:

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I’ve been scouring the Web to see who’s got the best coverage, and The Hollywood Reporter has some excellent videos of filmmakers and actors up for awards on Sunday. Read on to see what Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, Hugh Jackman, Amy Adams and others have to say about their projects.

In this clip, Ron Howard talks about making "Frost/Nixon," while Clint Eastwood gives his take on leading lady, Angelina Jolie:

Hugh Jackman tells us why making "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" made him feel "pretty badass," and which X-Men mutant might be even more popular than Wolverine. Say what?!

Think stars have it easy? Then listen to Amy Adams and Michelle Williams talk about the challenges they faced while making "Doubt" and "Wendy and Lucy."

Mickey Rourke wasn’t all that keen on making "The Wrestler" at first. Listen as he talks about his initial reservations and gaining a few pounds for the role.

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At a recent Uprights Citizens Brigade show, Jeffrey Tambor – who played George Bluth, Sr. in the Fox TV series – said Michael Cera will be in the big-screen movie, even if he has to call him on the phone and order him to be on that set!

My son and I just started watching "Arrested Development" recently, and have to say it’s easy to get sucked into the crazy scenarios of the Bluth family. Having Ron Howard’s voiceover doesn’t hurt either.

In fact, Ron Howard is onboard as director of the Fox Searchlight movie, with Mitchell Hurwitz (who also exec-produced and wrote the TV series) as writer and Jennifer Dana and Brian Grazer as producers (both of whom produced the TV series). They’re looking at a 2010 release date. Maybe.

What are your thoughts on this? Think it’ll actually happen? With Ron Howard and Brian Grazer involved, I’m sure it will happen one way or another. Maybe.

Image: Amazon.com; Source: TVSquad.com

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Those were just two stars attending the 20th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, held at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Tuesday, January 6, 2009.

A few of those honored with awards:

• Anne Hathaway – Desert Palm Achievement Award (Female)
• Dakota Fanning – Rising Star Award (Female)
• Ron Howard – Director’s Lifetime Achievement Award
• Amy Adams (pictured) – Spotlight Award

More pics after the jump!

Amy Adams:

Anne Hathaway:

Ben Stiller:

Clint Eastwood:

Dakota Fanning:

Dustin Hoffman:

Josh Brolin:

Leonardo DiCaprio:

Ron Howard and Frank Langella:

Sean Penn:

Ben Stiller and Dustin Hoffman:

Images: Image.net; John Shearer/WireImage, Alexandra Wyman/WireImage

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The trailer below doesn’t give us a whole lot to go on, but I loved the first movie, so am hoping this one is just as good (though perhaps a little less rambly). What do you think? 

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More after the jump…

Images: Angels and Demons, Sony Pictures Releasing, 2009

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