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Home > Movies > Reviews > 2009

Angels & Demons
Reviewed by Peter T. Chattaway | posted 5/15/2009

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Talk About It

Discussion starters

The movie suggests there is a clash between "ancient traditions" and the "modern world." Do you think this is true? Even in non-Catholic settings? What traditions in your own church would you say are "ancient"? Does the modern world affect which traditions you keep?
What do you make of the film's references to the Illuminati and "their new god Science"? Is science "new"? Do you think the church has had time to figure out a way to relate to modern scientific endeavors? In what ways is the church still behind? Is it possible that the church played any part in encouraging scientific inquiry over the years? Give examples.
Why does the scientist (who is also a priest) say "We're in God's hands now" after he helps to create the antimatter? Is he feeling remorse? Should research like his be done? Why or why not?
Langdon says "faith is a gift that I've yet to receive." What would you say in reply to that, if anything?
One cardinal says that if the rest of them agree to do something, then it must be "God's will"; another cardinal says they would be "giving in to frenzy." How can you discern when God is speaking through a person or group of persons? (Consider, for example, the apostles' use of the phrase "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us" when explaining their decisions after the Council of Jerusalem, in Acts 15:28.)

The Family Corner

For parents to consider

Angels & Demons is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence (people are shot, burned to death, drowned and branded like horses), disturbing images (a dead man and his eyeball are found in different places, rats eat the face of one corpse, blood flies out of the holes in a man's chest when someone tries to resuscitate him) and thematic material (pious Catholics are generally portrayed in a negative light, with a few complicated exceptions).

Photos © Columbia Pictures

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[Reader Reviews]

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Wraith

Posted: June 25, 2009 8:25 PM


I found this movie only mildly entertaining. Ultimately, I saw it like one of those rail shooters in video games that used to be popular before 3d came into its own in video games. You are driven along an inexorable path that is while a bit twisty it essentially does not leave room for creativity and often satisfys plot issues with ridiculous, unlikely solutions...alll. the...way... to the end.

GK	Posted: June 20, 2009 4:28 AM


Hanks is a devout member of the Greek Orthiodox church so its not like this was an unbeliever as the star role. But a member of the second oldest sector of Christianity (after the Ethiopian Orthodox Church)

Henry

Posted: June 05, 2009 8:32 PM

I am puzzled by the reaction of some Catholic commentators to this film. It is nowhere near as foolish as Da Vinci Code and in some parts does try to maintain some sort of balance. I haven't made my mind up about the solution of wisdom over vitality that the Cardinal and the Camerlengo represent. While I admire some of the heritage that the Catholic Church retains, others are due for an examination. The wisdom is to know what. Just as long as you remember that Angels and Demons is National Treasure on an intellectual budget, you'll do fine.