Eastern Promises

This movie is certainly worth a watch again. If did not see it before, for whatever reason, consider any of the following reasons.

Viggo Mortensen did his homework very well. He comes off as a very credible Russian. And why not? He went there and lived among the "Vor" to learn how. We walked the walk AND talked the talk. Chilling portrayal.

Director David Cronenberg always goes for gritty reality in his pictures. He worked with Mortensen on History of Violence which you may also want to see.

Naomi Watts is the pivotal character of the story as a Labor and Delivery Nurse in a London hospital.

Armin Mueller-Stahl is perfect as the head of the crime family operating just below the radar in London. Vincent Cassel is his loser son. Great casting with a strong international group.

Yes, it is violent. Yes, Mortensen's character bares all in a steam room scene. That adds a level of reality that we don't usually get in crime movies.

While not for everyone, this movie is certainly a must-see for anyone who likes gangster stories, crime thrillers, or naked kings.

Watch this with someone with a high tolerance of cut-throat bad guys.

Angels & Demons

Zealotry redefined. Ron Howard delivers another fun, exciting, nail-biter. Not exactly a sequel to DaVinci Code, but not totally unrelated either. Tom Hanks returns as Dr. Langdon, the professor who defies labeling.

Ayelet Zurer plays the female lead who stops short at becoming a love interest of the good doctor. Ewan McGregor plays the youngest of Vatican leadership. Stellan Skarsgård, one of the best-known Swedes in Hollywood (Bootstrap Bill) plays the head of the Vatican's Swiss Guard. Armin Mueller-Stahl plays a senior cardinal and the stage is set.

Who killed the Pope and hired an assassin, played well by Nikolaj Lie Kaas, to kill the favorites to replace him? Who are the Illuminati and where are they hiding?

With a little help from Galileo and a lady bio-physicist, Dr. Langdon comes to the rescue again, this time at the request of the Vatican.

This great international cast give the movie a very authentic feel. There are so many wonderful accents and looks and voices. The soundtrack adds big-time to the feel of the movie.

Watch this with someone who believes in both science and religion.