I have to say that for those who have read the book, it's a rather hard movie to enjoy. The liberties taken by the director was far too much in my opinion. I couldn't help but compare the plot and characters (and the events) to what I already know from the book, and whilst not exactly fair, it just couldn't be helped. I didn't like the numerous character, events, and plot changes to the movie, because it removed some of the suspense so vivid in the book (like the death of Cardinal Baggia in the book, but not in the movie).
Tom Hanks was alright, and it was good to see him say his lines while moving, creating a sense of urgency and crisis. Ewan McGregor was brilliant as the Camerlengo, though it would have been nice if it had followed the original plot of him being the Pope's artificially-inseminated son. I don't recall a 'bad' performance from Ewan anyway. He really carried the movie, as far as I'm concerned. As I said, far too many liberties taken. :( The Assassin was a boring piece of turd. I didn't feel his threatening presence at all, which was also rather evident from the book.
In terms of aesthetics, it's a beautiful movie to watch. The shots of the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and Rome are gorgeous. Kudos for that. Pacing was alright, plot development seemed rushed at times, but overall, it was worth watching. Just try to ignore what you know from the book. :P
7/10
Jay~
Darn..
ReplyDeleteMakes me want to not watch the movie at all anymore, & to think I planned it for ages..
Well, as I said, it is worth watching, but try not to be irritated at the liberties taken by the Director. :) Just concentrate on your popcorn. :P
ReplyDeleteBy the way, there is no Jigoku Akuma anymore..
ReplyDeleteLOL alright. Let me know what you want me to call your blog (aka your name) so I can edit. :)
ReplyDeleteI saw the trailer for this movie and I don't remember the book too well but I remember thinking, "Wait, what? I'm sure it wasn't like this!" The trailer said something about after the events of the Da Vinci Code and I was like...wait what? Isn't Angels and Demons set before that? And when it said stuff about the church being threatened and all I went, "Wait, I thought this book was about anti-matter! And was less of a Christian basher than the Da Vinci Code!"
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought, well, if it's got rid of the cool sci-fi stuff I won't be bothered.
Then I saw Ewan McGregaor and went, ooh.And then I realised he was speaking in his natural Scottish accent and was like, "Ok, don't really care if it's crap, I'll be happy watching (read: listening to) Ewan McGregor!"
Haha.
Haha actually I watched it when I saw he'll play the Camerlengo. :P Yeah, sucks that he didn't go Italian, but he's usually brilliant anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe movie was a bit disappointing, especially if you've read the book, but as a stand-alone, I think it's perfectly passable. :)
Haha really? No no, Ewan McGregor not going Italian is a good thing! I love his Scottish accent! It's so...swoon-able. Hahaha. You know what I mean!
ReplyDeleteOh not again.. :P
ReplyDeleteWhat not again =P
ReplyDeleteThe swooning. :P
ReplyDeleteWhaaaat *sticks tongue out* Blek!
ReplyDeleteLet's see.. If it's not Ewan, I'm sure it'll be Hayden (from Star Wars). :P
ReplyDeleteNo way. I don't think Hayden is hot. Hahaha. He's alright only. Although I do recommend one of his movies called 'Shattered Glass'. It's really good.
ReplyDeleteOh I saw the preview for that one. Will check it out. :)
ReplyDelete