Dark Noir like Supernatural Thriller

Rating: 10/10 (3 March 2005)

Title: Constantine (2005) Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Keany (whoa!) Reeves, Rachel Weizs, Tilda Swinton, Djimoun Honsou Review: Well, after all that bad buzz at the beginning of its production about Alan Moore hating the route they were taking with the film and all that bull, I honestly thought this movie was going to be a total train wreck. Still, that curiosity was in me, and a little hope that maybe, just maybe they would not mess things up. Well, I'm very happy to inform you guys that this film kicked some major ass! The story revolves around Constantine, a chain smoking, demon seeing exorcist who is bummed out and about to die of lung cancer. In comes detective Angela Dodson who's sister has mysteriously killed herself. Angela and Constantine must investigate her death and in doing so they plunge themselves and us with them in a world filled with demons, angels, crucifixes, exorcism, trips to hell and the devil himself! By far the coolest thing about this film is its look. Francis Lawrences experience in making pretty videos for MTV must have helped him out in seeing the importance of the visual aspect of a film like this one. I mean, we are going to go to hell right? And for the most part, every time a film goes to hell, it tends to be a tad disappointing (Spawn anyone?) Did this film fail in that department? Heck no! Hell was a desolated desert where everything is constantly burning in hell fire and the fire and brimstone and being hit by a constant with that never seems to let down. Cool visuals there. But it doesn't stop here, there's also the dark film noir look of Los Angeles. Its dirty, shadowy and retro in style. Liked it a heck of a lot, it felt like one of those old detective movies that are in black and white.
I loved the dialog here. I mean the story is very interesting, very well written. Its nothing mind shattering, but it manages to keep you interested all through out. The dialog in a supernatural film like this one can sometimes lend itself to sounding goofy or moronic. Not so here. The tone of the movie is very serious and sprinkled with a few moments of funny dialog to relieve the somber and dark tone the film has for most of its running time. Also Constantines sidekick Chas Chandler (Shia Labeouf) is responsible for the comedic relief and for the most part did a good job. By far the coolest dialog sequences are those with Belzebub himself. Which brings me to my next point...
The devil! I loved the rendition of the devil in this flick. Peter Stormare steals the show as old Satan. He was a disgusting almost animal like thing. Speaking with lots of disdain and this "I don't give a crap I got it all covered" attitude all through out. Some of the funniest dialog was with Constantine and Lucifer going back and forth with some double talk.
The effects were handled well, most of it was on CGI, and I think that for the most part it was well handled and not overdone. They used it only when necessary and it was well made. Only thing the demons looked very cgi, I would've done it with mechanical effects. But this is not the 80s and Tom Savini no longer does make up effects. So we gotta get used to this sort of thing. On Constantine, the computer effects didn't distract from the story which is my main preoccupation.
Keanu will be Keanu no matter what film he is in, so this wasn't a big stretch for him as far as acting goes. But I must say that he did give the character a certain air of "Screw YOu! I'm an arrogant idiot and I don't give a crap what you say!" that I enjoyed and that I felt must have come straight from the comic that the story was based in. As far as acting goes Peter Stormare was the coolest thing here.
All in all, a fun film with heavy supernatural elements all around. As far as religious themes go this one has it all! From demons to angels to exorcisms! Its all here! Grab your holy water and strap on to that electric chair cause Constantine will give you a jolt of coolness that will stay with you long after you've left the theater.
Rating: 41/2 out of 5