I took twenty students in my Theology and Film class to see Angels & Demons. Not because I necessarily expected to see a great movie. But because I knew it would be loaded with theological provocation. From cheap shots at the Catholic Church to enduring questions of science vs. religion, Angels and Demons preys upon our ignorance of history to craft a riveting thriller. The creative team from The DaVinci Code (director Ron Howard, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, and star Tom Hanks) reunites for a much more satisfying movie (and much better hair for Hanks!).

I encourage those who disagree with Dan Brown’s vision (whether scientists or clerics) to see Angels and Demons in order to respond with intelligence and insight. However, as with The DaVinci Code, the film ultimately proves to be so slight that any protest will prove to be much ado about nothing.  While American audiences have responded with mostly indifference, overseas attendance and interest has continued to grow.   Perhaps a thoroughly post-Christendom culture like Europe revels in the opportunity to feed their skepticism toward the institutionalized church.