Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) returns in what should be the prequel to “DaVinci Code” but is instead treated like a sequel thanks to the brilliantly tackled screenplay of David “Spiderman” Koepp and Akiva Goldsman. Full of the same controversy as the first Ron Howard directed plot – can science and religion really share a place in the same room? – this time Langdon is sent to the Vatican and this time he’s got a good haircut. Unlike the confusion in the first movie, this easily outlines a plot about four kidnapped cardinals to possibly take over for the recently deceased Pope. Langdon has written a book about “The Art of the Illuminati” so he knows a thing or two about possibly terrorist plottings. And while the movie feels like some 1969 C list thriller it’s not shot that way. But if you can make it through a very excruciatingly silly and talky first hour, the second hour flies and manages to deliver a big and unexpected ending. It’s just unfortunate there’s a lot of initial explaining without any real, well, explaining. And if all else fails, you’ll love the gorgeous Vatican footage. Three tiaras
