The futuristically bleak Children of Men combines non-stop, edge-of-your-seat action with deep, powerful societal messages. A genuine thrill ride with a soul.
Between the two of them, Ridley Scott and Orlando Bloom have picked up their swords for Gladiator, Troy and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. And that's the problem. If the intriguing but ultimately derivative Kingdom of Heaven had arrived before these recent period epics, it may have stood a better chance of enthralling us.
A Rumor of Angels delivers huge doses of postcard pretty scenery and inspirational messages about important values and paranormal phenomena, but it preaches to the converted. Those who seek comfort in traditional values and who are easily seduced by the possibility of communication with angels and the deceased won't be disappointed.