A surprisingly good ride.

Rating: 8/10 (10 February 2005)

Honestly, after the last two Matrix movies, I never thought I'd be able to see Keanu Reeves' face without crying. My heart had been pulled out and stomped on. To say I had reservations going in to see this movie would be putting it *rather* lightly.
I was very pleasantly surprised. Knowing a little bit about the comics, I had some idea of what to expect from Reeve's character, John Constantine. No, of course he doesn't do the character complete justice, what movie based on an incredible literature ever lives up to the expectations of the fans? However, Reeves manages to pick up on quite a few of Constatntine's more endearing traits, making his performance more than stomach-able (shocking, I know).
A surprising show of talent in support, from fellow actors Rachel Weisz (Constantine's female cop sidekick), Tilda Swinton (the archangel Gabriel), Pruitt Taylor Vince (the priestly sidekick), and even Shia LaBeouf (the cabby sidekick), Djimon Hounsou (bartender extraordinary), and Peter Stormare (good 'ole Satan), ties this tale together in a weirdly haunting occult mirror world which dominates the mood of the movie, hovering over the presence of reality with a very thin vale.
Visually, this movie was a treat. Visual effects, yes, but not obtrusive (well, most of the time) or garish. Supprising cinematographic choices that helped the mood of the movie, keeping up it's sweeping, fast-paced story. Just when you think you know how the movie ends, you don't. And then you still don't. And- oh, wait, guess again.
As for sexual themes, well, while they don't dominate the movie, the tension runs a fine line just this side of corny, and plays into the movie's theme, actually, quite appropriately.
A definite see for any horror movie fans, action movie fans, or just plain 'ole weird crap movie fans. It tries to be all, and winds up somewhere in the middle- but in a very good way. A unique movie in many ways. Let's hope the sequels hinted at don't screw-up the series like other ill-fated Reeves productions.