We saw Angels and Demons last weekend, on opening night. It's not really important for us to go to a movie on opening night, but I know I was anxious to see this one. I really liked the book, I liked DaVinci Code (book and movie) and I like Tom Hanks.
The basic premise of the movie is Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon, who is a symbologist. The Vatican finds a symbol of the Illuminati and calls him. He comes to Rome (in like three hours flat, by the way) and follows the clues of the Illuminati, who are killing cardinals while the Conclave is happening (choosing a new Pope).
I really liked the movie. 3.5 stars. I liked the book, but honestly I read books so quickly and I read that one so long ago that I don't really remember if there are big differences between the two. I went to be entertained and I really was. Again, love Tom Hanks. And Ewan McGregor was fab as the Camerlengo (Pope's assistant type guy).
The best part of the movie for me was seeing Rome on the big screen. We LOVED Rome when were there in November 2007. Vatican City is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Just watching it gave me chills, the same chills I felt when walking through the actual city. I absolutely, wholeheartedly recommend going to Rome and the Vatican. Even if you aren't Catholic, it is an amazing city and country.
Oh, and I DO recommend climbing in the cupola of St. Peters!! Quite a climb but very worth it!!
Here are a few pics from our trip.
Here we are in St. Peter's Square. Yes, I am that much shorter than my husband.
This is on a Sunday. At 11:30, the Pope comes out and says a blessing in a bunch of languages. There really are the big screens (which you see in the movie too). You can see the actual Pope (it is Benedict XVI) in the upper right hand corner of the picture. The square was literally FILLED with people. Some were singing and praying, with banners and flowers, etc. As a Catholic, it was just an awesome (in the truest sense of the word) experience.
And last, but not least...my illegal pictures...
Yes, that is the Sistine Chapel. It wasn't super crowded when we went, but crowded enough that I could take some pictures without arousing suspicion. There are several signs that photos are completely forbidden! I had my camera around my neck, so I just pointed the lens toward the ceiling and pushed the button. Obviously no flash or anything! I didn't know what I was getting, so I just hoped they worked out and I think they did! You can see the God and man fingers touching in this picture. It was beautiful in there.
I feel like I keep using the same words to describe it, but I just can't begin to describe the beauty and vibe of the city. I love traveling and I feel so blessed to be able to do it. And of course to have my favorite travel buddy with me all the time!!! (that's him with me in the picture!!) We have so much fun together. Well, I do anyway. He probably gets sick of me!
Ciao!!
