Okay

Rating: 6/10 (21 February 2005)

I SWORE I wasn't going to see it.
See, I was a HUGE fan of John Constantine: Hellblazer in my comic days.
I really don't mind Keanu, sometimes he can act.
But just by watching the trailers I KNEW I was going to hate it.
The biggest problem is that John Constantine is British, Blond and a HUGE a$$hole. Not to forget that in the books his name rhymes with "valentine" not "Ovaltine". I used to think that Sting was a perfect match (in his younger days). My modern choice would have been Jude Law, but they didn't ask me.
But Mrs. Hob wanted to see it and well, I am the kinda guy that just HAS to sniff the spoilt milk.
Well surprise surprise. I actually liked it.
Sure they moved John to LA and changed his looks and nationality. Keanu does play him pretty good - though not as angry or as big an a$$hole, but I can honestly say I could accept it as a "version" or "riff" on the character.
As for the story - straight out of the comic!!! Not literally but figuratively. I actually felt like I was watching the comic on screen (aside from the main character).
I also liked that the director didn't necessarily fill in all the blanks or spoon-feed all the back story, and yet it was there.
So in the end, I liked it. A bit slow in spots, but never afraid to take its time.
WARNING: If you cannot reconcile the choices made in redefining John Constantine - avoid this. But if you have never read the books, you might wanna check it out.