Yes, "Angels & Demons" is a sequel to "The Da Vinci Code." Both films are based on novels by Dan Brown featuring the character Robert Langdon, played by Tom Hanks. "Angels & Demons," released in 2009, is set before the events of "The Da Vinci Code," which was released in 2006. While they are connected through the protagonist and themes, they can be watched independently, as each story has its own plot and characters.

"Angels & Demons" is a fictional thriller based on the novel by Dan Brown. While it incorporates real locations, such as the Vatican and historical elements related to the Catholic Church and the Illuminati, the plot itself is entirely fictional. The story follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he investigates a conspiracy involving a secret society and a plot to destroy the Vatican. Thus, while it may draw on real history and settings, the narrative and characters are products of imagination.

"Angels & Demons," based on Dan Brown's novel, faced controversy and criticism from religious groups, particularly the Catholic Church, for its portrayal of the Church and its practices. The film's themes of conspiracy, secret societies, and the conflict between science and religion sparked debates about its accuracy and respectfulness towards religious beliefs. Some critics argued that it misrepresented the Church and could lead to misunderstandings about Catholicism. Consequently, it was banned or faced restrictions in certain regions due to these sensitivities.

No, "Angels & Demons" was not filmed in the Vatican. While the movie features the Vatican and its iconic locations, the filmmakers were not granted permission to shoot on location. Instead, they used various locations in Rome and built sets to recreate the Vatican interiors. Key scenes were filmed at sites like the Santa Maria della Vittoria church and the Palazzo Barberini, along with extensive use of digital effects to depict the Vatican.