If I'd not seen the first movie I might have been confused by his expertise and how he knew what to look for. It would have been great if they'd rebuilt his character for newbies. I loved the DaVinci Code and this was good too and worth the ticket price. It tries to add a twist but I saw it coming so it wasn't a surprise. I still feel the story was strong and the cast was very good but it didn't have the excitement of the first film. I didn't read the book so I had to connect it too the first film. My only real critism is that its more of a chase movie than a movie of intrigue and mystery. I enjoyed it but I was not blown away even at the end.
I was impressed by most everything. There is the whole paradox issue, I think but why over think it? It was fun and exciting from start to finish. They did a great job of reinventing the characters and made sure to protect Gene Roddenberry's concepts. I loved it and will see it again.