Constantine

Constantine
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Directed by: Francis Lawrence
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Produced by: Lauren Shuler Donner
Benjamin Melniker
Michael E. Uslan
Erwin Stoff
Lorenzo di Bonaventura
Akiva Goldsman
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Screenplay by: Kevin Brodbin
Frank Cappello
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Story by: Kevin Brodbin
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Based on: Characters from the DC Comics Hellblazer graphic novels
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Release Dates: February 17, 2005 (Germany)
February 18, 2005 (United States)
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Starring: Keanu Reeves (John Constantine)
Rachel Weisz (Angela and Isabel Dodson)
Shia LaBeouf (Chas Kramer)
Tilda Swinton (Gabriel)
Pruitt Taylor Vince (Father Hennessy)
Djimon Hounsou (Papa Midnite)
Peter Stormare (Lucifer Morningstar)
Gavin Rossdale (Balthazar)
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Cite: Wikipedia
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Constantine is a 2005 action-horror film based on DC Comic’s Hellblazer series. It stars Keanu Reeves (famous for his role as Neo from The Matrix and as Jonathan Harker from Bram Stoker’s Dracula) as John Constantine, a chain smoker with terminal cancer who can see the true visage of half-angels and half-demons on Earth. He must put aside his cynical nature for once in order to help a woman named Angela Dodson (played by Rachel Weisz) who is looking for answers to the death of her sister. Both come into contact with an ancient game played by both God and Lucifer for the souls of humanity.

I am really glad I saw this movie. I had been meaning to for a while and I’m happy with the result. It certainly was not that bad. I loved the idea of a world with angels, demons, hybrids and a cynical anti-hero whose soul is bound for Hell but is trying to help people (in his own way of course).

Tilda Swinton does a nice job portraying the half-breed, Gabriel (based on the archangel from Christianity, Judaism and Islam). Granted while I did enjoy this character, I still preferred her role as the Ancient One from Doctor Strange. But this was as close to as good as that role as it could get.

Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves almost certainly steals the show as Constantine. It might not be his best role (NEO) but it was still very, very good. He seems to do incredibly well in most R-rated action movies. And Rachel Weisz was also quite good in portraying a character whom I could very, very well understand and even sympathize with in regards to what she is going through and how far she is willing to go in order to help someone she loves.

In all honesty, I wasn’t that crazy about Shia LaBeouf (he’s just not one of my favorite actors). I will say he is just good enough that he gets a pass for me. At least this role was better than the Transformers movies.

Anyways, if you like action-horror movies featuring angels, demons and hybrids, this is definitely another movie that I highly recommend. The visual effects alone are very, very nicely done (and that’s not something we see very often in movies based on DC Comic Books).
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Four out of five stars!
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