Nice addition to the genre

Rating: 8/10 (9 April 2006)

If you are a fan of the Prophecy series, then you will recognizes the plot elements of Constantine. Angels and demons at war for the domination of human souls. Yet, there are enough differences between the two that it actually makes Constantine stand on its own. Also, if you are a fan of the Vertigo comic, you might be put off at it not being true to the source material. Especially after the fact that movies like Sin City and Batman Begins remained faithful to their comic origins and proved that it works, and works well. So that fact that Keanu Reeves does not support a British accent and blond locks might put you off. But don't let it. This movie is a gem on allot of levels.
First off the biggest obstacle one has to get over before they decide to watch this film, Keanu Reeves. It seems that critics like to destroy Reeves in print every chance they get. Calling him a "wooden actor" to labeling him just a "pretty face". Personally I think they protest too much. It is almost as if it putting Reeves in a disparaging light they elevate their status as a critic, maybe they think it gains them more credibility. Granted, some of it is warranted. In Coppala's Dracula, he really did seem out of place, being a last minute replacement for Johnny Depp, but that was long ago. Since then Reeves has evolved. You only have to see him in Sam Rami's Gift and read the praise Rami wrote about him to see that Reeves is really an in-depth, articulate person with allot of humility. So no, there is no Reeves bashing here. In fact, he portrays the essence of Constantine through personality alone without the props of blonde hair and British accent. That isn't easy.
World weary, self destructive and cancer ridden makes Constantine the epitome of the reluctant hero. Using his skill in the occult to send demon half breeds that break the rules back to hell so that he can buy himself a stairway to heaven. Suddenly the rules are changing, full breed demons are trying to cross over, all hell is breaking lose, literally. Throw in the Spear of Destiny, the spear that killed Christ on the cross, a pair of psychic twins, an androgynous Gabriel and an opportunistic half breed demon and you find yourself in the middle of a sulfur pit of a plot.
This movie is a visual feast pulling out allot of references to Bosh. Hell never looked more twisted. There is enough eye candy here to make you want to watch it again just for the effects alone, but if you do, you will miss smart story telling and an excellent performance by Reeves and crew. So watch it for the story as well.