The Salvation of 'Constantine'.(my response to hard hearted comments)

Rating: 8/10 (15 July 2005)

When I went to see this movie, I was captivated from start to finish. And when I left the theater, I found myself thinking about the movie and replaying many of the scenes and lines over and over again in my head for about the next 4 to 5 days. (wich is something that a movie hasn't done to me in quite a while) But I guess it all comes down to a few key factors that will decide if someone will like this movie or not.
Key factor#1: Bias expectations of die-hard 'HellBlazer' comic book fans.
It is true that there is a great deal of difference between the portrayals of the comic book and the movie. So as a result, any Hellblazer fan can be very disappointed after seeing this movie. However, these fans need to realize that the differences between the movie and the comic are intentional due to the fact that the writers of the 'HellBlazer' comic books where there the whole time the script and screen play were being written. In fact, they even contributed to it. I'm also sure that they weren't kicking and screaming in disappointment when Keanu Reaves was cast for the leading role. When I went to see the movie, I had never read a single 'HellBlazer' comic in my life, let alone being aware of them even existing, and as a result of this I was able to truly appreciate the move in its entirety. 'HellBlazer' fans probably don't have this advantage because after reading enough issues of the comics, the standard has already been set for the characters and story lines. Now of course the movie did peek my interest enough to pick up a few issues of 'HellBlazer' and actually read them. And even though there was a difference between the comic and the movie, I can't honestly say that the comic is better than the movie or vice-versa. I think thats what the writers and director was aiming for when making this film. They knew that the 'HellBlazer' comics don't have much awareness among comic readers as well as not very many fans. They wanted this movie to actually give the viewers enough interest to actually want to go and read at least one issue of 'HellBlazder'. So lets be real with ourselves here...(and this means all you 'HelBlazer' fans out there) if they wanted to keep the movie as close to the comic as they could, then they would have cast Hugh Jackman (wolverine in 'X-Men') for the role of 'John Constantine', dyed his hair dirty blonde, and given it the title "HellBlazer". But that's not what they did at all. I'm sure the title "Constantine" was chosen for more reasons other than "it sounds cool". Obviously the change in titles is to imply change in story line and characters. Plus not to mention the odd advertisement that states: "Loosely based on the 'HellBlazer' comic series". (Gee....I wonder what the key word in that statement was?)
Key factor#2: Are you or Aren't you a spiritual person?
I myself have read most of the Bible and believe entirely in it. My mother has an extreme catholic background and I also have a fascination and appreciation for Cathollasism. (although I am against religion as a politic and more for a charismatic belief in God and Christ) Now because of all the reading and studying and research that I've done for myself on the Bible, religion, doctrines, and spiritual things, I am able to say that the script and story line is very accurate and well written. As an example, I read a comment where the writer said that the angel Gabriel in the movie was lame and "looked like some sort of cross dresser". Well that is because there is religious doctrine that states that angels of God are not of any gender. They are neither male nor female. Hence, the angel Gabriel in the movie is hard to tell from male of female. (allthough the role is played by a female) So with that being said, anyone who has or is willing to acquire some knowledge of various religious doctrines, (particularly catholic belief's and the Bible in general) will most likely get a lot out of this movie.
Now to sum it all up on more of a movie-ish note.....I think that this was the best performance of Keanu's career, and not to mention Gavin Rosedales performance was flawless. Weizes performance lacked a little, but not enough to ruin the film. And the special effects were amazing. But most importantly, if you haven't seen this movie and are planning on it, pay attention to the performance give by the actor playing the part of Satan. This by far was the best and greatest performance of the movie. I don't know where they found this actor, but he does the part perfect. I would definitely like to see what other roles he is capable of doing.
But anyway....I've said enough already. Thanks for reading and if your planning on seeing this movie, enjoy ;)
Also...if you found this at all helpful and your curious about other movies that you're unsure of paying to see, send me an email. I'd love to hear from you and there's a good chance I've seen it.
Later ;)