This May The 'Angles & Demons' Fight

Though Ron Howard is currently enjoying lots of pre-Oscar love for his latest film "Frost/Nixon," many are quick to forget that he directed last summers turkey "The Da Vinci Code." The movie was very poorly received with harsh reviews and public scorn (though it was still a box off success, so he wasn't hurt too much from the hate). Now that "Frost/Nixon" has restored his reputation, Howard is diligently working on the Da Vinci sequel "Angels & Demons." Now the book was actually released before "The Da Vinci Code," so it should be a prequel, but Howard has decided to make it a sequel instead. Makes sense I guess: If there are any connectign events in the books I can't see them. Now, I liked "The Da Vinci Code" book. Keep in mind I said liked and not loved. The movie was a dissapointment but, eh, oh well. It was a good but not great book anyway. "Angels & Demons" on the other hand IS a great book!

Full of suspense, intrique, and a conflict that actually does incourage debate that's worth talking about, "Angels & Demons" has the chance to be the compelling blockbuster "The Da Vinci Code" wasn't. And I'm talking about "The Dark Knight" compelling. Thing is, we won't know whether the film lives up to expectations until May, and I'm wondering how the public is going to react to this film. While 'Da Vinci' was easy to write off beause it was a silly adventure story in the first place, 'Angels' is a far more realistic tale, one that does ask some hard questions and purposfully doesn't answer them. The book was a thinking mans adventure, and I know Hollywood has trouble with that kind of thing. They'd rather the movie be easily disposible, and they hate controversy.

"The Da Vinci Code" had pre-release controversy that quickly faded when the film was released and people got to see that they were complaining about nothing. "Angels & Demons" is likely to have the opposite effect: It will be released to minor outcry that will likely grow with time. Once that happens time will tell whether that helps the films box office and awards potential. Right now though, I'm just hoping Howard does this adaptation justice.