ANGELIC OR DEMONIC?

Are you an angel or demon? As human, we are neither. In fact, we could be both. In fact, the demon/devil/satan, whatever you call it, was originally an angel. So what I'm saying is, there is no such thing as a perfect angel because even angels fall sometimes. And demons are demons for a reason. Without evil, there will not be good. (This is so Tao)

I wonder why are all the 'angels' on the left?

Maybe because all lefties (ahem, yours truly) are angelic...

My bull about angels and demons is actually the entrée for my discussion on the movie "Angels & Demons" starring Tom Hanks. So apparently, "Angels and Demons" is the first book but then "The Da Vinci Code" was given the privilege to go first as the movie, well, for obvious reasons: because it was controversial and controversies sell! 

Well, I mean if the first movie sucked, who would watch the second one right? If the first movie rocked, it doesn't matter if the second sucked because people would still pay to watch the second one, just to find out if it sucked. Makes sense.

Anyway, after watching the movie, I went on to my friend, JT's blog to check out his views on the movie. He has always been a great film critic.

"Angels and Demons" carries the distinctive themes of: 

Good vs. Evil

The implicit theme is basically the indistinct line between good and evil, as defined by religion. Religion is very vague and indeterminate subject. There is no right no wrong religion because essentially, it's subjective. So I'd say that what makes us good and evil depends on our personal interpretation of the religion's teachings.

Why do we have religious war or holy war? Did God condone that? Under what circumstances? Who decide? 

Again, it's up to our own perceptions and interpretations as humans. There are so many ridiculous acts that are done all in the name of God. We have martyrs who claim to die because of God. We have 'holy' people who does 'holy' things like kill "gays" for their abnormality or people who set discriminating rules for women. 

The question I always wonder why people can't understand that God was also the One who created "gays" or people who are deemed different. Hence aren't we supposed to accept them too? 

Sometimes, their obsessive faith blinds them but I think it's not just with God. Sometimes, faith in a particular leader makes us do crazy things too.

At the end of the day, I believe that wisdom is the key. 

I love the fact that 'Angels and Demons' plays with this notion of faith and beliefs and the ambiguity between right and wrong. I love how the writer use the 'angels' as clues in the movie, which leads Professor Langdon to the resolution of the murder and the whole mystery.

Religion vs. Science

Cleverly done is the way the story links Science and Religion in the picture. Science is all about facts and solid proof, therefore making it seems right or correct. But then, there is always the subjectivity in things / events / phenomenon, something 'spiritual' about things - thus religion.

I think the movie is trying to point out that, science and religion are interdependent. World phenomenon are explained using the theories of both. Science cannot explain certain things; for example, there is no scientific explanation for the power of faith in God. I mean, I've seen people survive Cancer because of their faith in their Gods. Though personally, there were also many times where I've been let down. Two of my most beloved people died of cancer. But whatever it is, what one can't deny is that there is some 'power' out there that goes beyond science alone. Yet, we also cannot deny the impact of science in our society.

Like I mentioned before, Science versus religion or rather, science and religion complement each other. In "Angels & Demons", Professor Langdon represents 'religion' while our gorgeous Ayelet Zurer, who plays the scientist, Vittoria Vetra represents 'science'. See how both of them work together to solve the case?

The Roman Catholics vs. Illuminati / Angels vs. Demons 

To be honest, I have a very poor background on the religion of the Roman Catholics and the whole concept of the history between the science and the Catholic Church. But, one thing I do know is the story about Galileo, which was referred to in the movie quite often.

I think to fairly comment on this movie and whether or not it is loyal to the original creativity of Dan Brown, one must read the book. From my friend JT's review and the comments there, the movie hasn't done the book enough justice - well as expected, just like the Harry Potter series.

I think while the theme of the movie could be intact, I believe the delicate details of the book can only be found in the lines of that literature. As much as the director wants to, there are always certain limitations when it comes to translating text into film.

Like JT mentioned, the solving of the whole plot because of the CCTV is pretty off-standards for such a clever writer. I have to agree on that. I guess I was pretty lost when it comes to the whole unraveling of the clues. I mean, I believe it's due to the lack of knowledge on the historical elements of religion and the Catholic beliefs and legends/myths. If it were in text form, I'd have a chance to mull over it and you know, maybe do some research.

JT feels that Ron Howard had learned from the past and had improved "Angels & Demons" by making it faster in pace. I personally prefer things slow when it comes to this movie though. I mean, when it's too fast, it became too confusing for me. I find myself rewinding certain scenes just to get the idea.

Personally, as popular as the movie may be due to publicity, I still think this movie is forgettable. I believe that the book would be more memorable than the movie itself because it will definitely give me a clearer idea on the whole story and the characters would be more developed.

Due to limitation of time, I think certain characters in the movie lacked development, which I hope to find in the book. I believe that Vittoria Vetra has more character in the book than just being a beautiful scientist. Oh, in fact, in the book, I think the Vetra scientist is a male character, not a female. If all scientists were this hot...(I mean, a guy version hot) I'd pay attention in science class and be a scientist.

So, based on the movie alone, one can only rate the movie in itself. In terms of the movie's storyline, it wasn't extremely engaging. There were moments in which I struggled with the Catholic terms and words, and I had to pause to search for the meanings of those words. I think part of me predicted that Ewan McGregor plays the villain. But then there were certain parts in the movie that convinced me otherwise.

To wrap up the values discussed, someone that is nice on the outside doesn't mean that they are good on the inside. Everyone does something for a reason. Whether it is justifiable or not, it's really up to that particular person to judge. I think sometimes we do things when we are so blinded by our beliefs, and only people who are standing on our point of view can understand. So in the end, though there are things that are downright wrong, there is always another side of looking at things.

My favourite line from the movie?

"Are you anti-Catholic Professor Langdon?

- No, I'm anti-vandalism...."

TC-My Rating: