By Paul Hall
Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is back on the case in the new film Inferno, based on Dan Brown’s novel. It’s the next installment for the character who has also been at the center of The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons.
There are people in the shadows who an ideal world can be accomplished by wiping out half of the Earth’s population, a horrific thought to most of us. They intend to achieve this goal by releasing a virus. Suffering from amnesia, Langdon awakens in an Italian hospital and quickly finds himself under fire, along Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), a doctor at the hospital. Dr. Brooks is helping him survive and to unlock memories he can no longer recall.
As the pair race across Europe, they uncover a variety of clues tied to Dante, and the symbologist in Langdon is up to every challenge he faces. Along this seemingly incredible trek to stop the virus’ release, a number or other characters cross the pair’s path — including the mysterious Harry Sims (Irrfan Khan) and old friend Dr. Elizabeth Sinskey (Sidse Babett Knudsen) — but as viewers we wonder aloud who is really on Langdon’s side.
The film plays off our fears of a global conspiracy and, as a result, a major terrorist action. Let actors embody that reality onscreen, and a frightening real-world premise is displayed. But with any film of this nature, can it maintain that level of fear throughout?
You don’t have to have seen The Da Vinci Code or Angels & Demons to enjoy this film. It is a stand-alone product. But if you have seen the aforementioned two titles, you’ll really want to check out what Langdon is up to in this film.
From the earliest stages of Inferno, we are treated to beautiful locales, thanks to director Ron Howard. The exotic places enhance the visual style of the film and are brought to life through truly vivid images.
With a very diverse cast that includes Hanks, Jones, Khan and Knudsen, along with Omar Sy and Ben Foster, the film boasts an incredible group of talent. But there is something missing: Flow. Hard transitions from current day to flashback feel jarring, and rather than enhance the story, they add to the confusion. And we have to check what we know at the door on multiple occasions to make the plot believable.
Despite the obvious downfalls, Inferno still provides a decent distraction at the movies if you love adventure and a good conspiracy, and you love Tom Hanks. For those reasons alone, Inferno is worth checking out. Just don’t expect it to be all that hot.
Inferno
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Ben Foster
Director: Ron Howard
Grade: B- / C+
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