Dangerous Habits

Rating: 6/10 (20 December 2009)

Chain-smoking "Hellblazer" John Constantine goes from DC Comics' "Vertigo" (aimed at "adult" readers) to the movies for actor Keanu Reeves. They called it/him "Constantine" and hoped Mr. Reeves would help the film survive the ill-advised title change. The resulting story is nicely directed, imaginatively edited, and stylishly photographed - by Francis Lawrence, Wayne Wahrman, and Philippe Rousselot - but, the dynamic trio aren't able deliver the original, much more intriguing Liverpudlian. The plot starts out fine, but becomes somewhat overloaded and confusing during the running time.
The film was based (very loosely!) on Garth Ennis' first "Hellblazer" story - entitled "Dangerous Habits" and running through issues #41-46 (May-October, 1991) of the comic. It should be available as a separate "graphic novel" in your local disappearing comic shop - or online, if the store is already gone. The story dealt with Constantine's deadly lung cancer diagnosis. With some changes, best pal Chas Chandler/Kramer (Shia LaBeouf) is included, but you have to wait until after the credits for his full story. Rachel Weisz is almost a female co-star, playing twins (Constantine's twin is not mentioned).
****** Constantine (2/8/05) Francis Lawrence ~ Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Tilda Swinton