Movie franchises today face a lot of backlash due to a lack of creativity and repetitious film style. This is seen as moviegoers are bombarded with unwanted sequels of films. The sequels and movie franchises are overdone to try to make a bang of a buck at the box office. As for Ron Howard’s new release “Inferno,” audience members can expect another unwanted stretch of a film series.
“Inferno” is part of the Robert Langdon film series, which is known for its controversial, mysterious takes on religion. The film is shot down by its stumbling storyline and confusing plot twists. Ron Howard doesn’t let this film go down in flames, though, and some scenes are somewhat worthwhile. Its high octane chase scenes across Italy and the cast’s incredible performances get the job done for a subpar experience.
The story starts at the bedside of Robert Langdon, a symbolist professor played by Tom Hanks (“Forrest Gump”), who awakens at a hospital with no idea of how he got there. Suffering from severe amnesia, his only memory is that he was shot. Langdon isn’t alone in this situation though, as he is nursed by Doctor Sienna Brooks, played by Felicity Jones (“Rogue One”).
Both Langdon and Brooks find themselves on the run from an assassin who wants Langdon for a mysterious reason. The two main characters take to the shadows as they hide away from their pursuers in the streets of Florence, Italy. Eventually, Langdon and Sienna find out through Langdon’s deciphering skills that the world faces an impending threat. Lives across the world are at stake as a mysterious group tries to unleash a deadly virus in one of the most visited countries in the world.
The virus’s purpose is to lower the human population to ensure a better world by the standards of the antagonist known as Zobrist, played by Ben Foster (“The Program”). As both Langdon and Brooks embark to locate the origin of the virus, they have to use their knowledge of ancient times to help secure the virus from an impending outbreak. With small fight scenes and cat-and-mouse-like chase scenes, it makes for a confusing plot for the audience.
The overall plot is what makes “Inferno” less enjoyable. The story is direct at the beginning, but the plot faces many switches and different bumps along the way, which lose the audience throughout the film’s entirety. One minute Langdon is trying to find the virus and the next he’s running from different assassins. Overall, the explanation for these switches in scene and plot is very far fetched, which makes for an incomplete movie. “Inferno” tries very hard to relate to religious antics, and it forces these ideals upon the viewer, which seems unnerving. The film also uses European settings and landmarks to mask its subpar plot with scenic shots of famous cathedrals and castles, which just plainly confuses viewers.
“Inferno” got one theme right, which was taking the cat-and-mouse idea that we come to love in movies, along with a type of “Jason Bourne” take throughout the film. Another aspect of the film that was done right was its casting. We see great performances from Hanks, who makes his character have a really personal feel. Langdon as a character seems well thought out and aware of his situations. Langdon used his knowledge of religion and amazing puzzle solving skills to reel audience members into his character. Hanks’s co-star, Felicity Jones, does a remarkable job as well. Sienna is seen as quick, smart and courageous, taking problems into her own hands and finding different ways out of every situation.
Hanks’s character is a man who holds deep knowledge while trying to bear his struggles. The inner fight that Langdon has makes for a deep and compelling character. The richness of Langdon and his ability to entertain audience members furthers the experience of the film.
In the end, “Inferno” tries very hard to be a mysterious thriller, but ultimately comes up short with a confusing plot and useless twists. “Inferno” isn’t a complete waste of time, though, as viewers are brought back to witness amazing acting and action-filled scenes. Although “Inferno” may not be what fans of the franchise had hoped for, it may spark new people to the series.
Rating: C+
