Inferno – Movie Review

Inferno – PG-13
Release Date: Fri 28 Oct 2016

Inferno is the third movie in the adaptation of Dan Brown’s series that started with The Da Vinci Code back in 2006. Tom Hanks returns as Robert Langdon, who wakes up in a hospital in Florence suffering from a head wound and amnesia. He and his doctor Sienna (Felicity Jones) soon end up fleeing from mysterious agents and trying to solve the puzzle of what happened to Langdon and how to stop a catastrophic event.

The movie’s attempt at a running start is commendable, but it’s a bit nauseating as we have to live through Langdon’s amnesia-causing head wound. Amnesia is not a particularly liked plot device, but it does work here to the extent that it gives the story a way to unfold from a confusing action scene into a more and more understandable direction. At two hours, the movie feels about 30-40 minutes too long, with a twist at what feels like the end that sets up another series of expository scenes before an extra act. You will feel as though you have seen two movies back-to-back. I found the “second movie” more compelling and enjoyed the new characters we get to know there (particularly Sidse Babett Knudsen’s Elizabeth) more interesting.

If you enjoyed The Da Vinci Code you will probably enjoy the ride of Inferno even if it lacks the puzzles and intrigue for more of a straight-ahead action movie. It’s another movie I’d recommend watching with the benefit of a pause button if you find yourself losing interest around the 80-90 minute mark.

Aaron and I saw it in the theater and had a discussion in the car: