Angels & Demons (Ron Howard, 2009)

angels_and_demonsMuch to the disappointment of those who trade in controversy (I’m looking at you William Donohue and you movie producers), there has been no real uproar about this Da Vinci Code sequel set in Vatican City, although there should be. Not about its silly theological and historical baiting, but rather what it does to Tom Hanks: It makes him boring. There’s something about Professor Robert Langdon that immediately sucks the life out of this gifted comedic and dramatic actor, and all the sound and fury of the plot mechanics can’t cover up how deadly dull he is. (Hollywood Jewel 16, Waco, TX)