A great source poorly adapted

Rating: 4/10 (23 March 2005)

Constantine's visuals are absolutely incredible. They're even better than what you would expect for a high-action Keanu movie. Although I don't rate this movie very high, its visuals are worth the price of a movie ticket, and for sure a rental.
Keanu has picked another acting challenge. A boring, soft-spoken, super-hero type that wears sunglassesoh wait, that's all he does well. But it's true; he's earned his place in the action movie hall of fame. This time he's born with the ability to recognize demons and angels that walk the earth in human skin. After having attempted suicide in his youth, he is trying to change his fate of being doomed to hell by confronting demons and saving souls. Even the premise it interesting which is why the comic book was such a success. But the movie is fairly lenient in adapting its source material. Not only do they not make this classic character a blond or British, but the character is barely human. The humanity is what makes him interesting in the first place. Keanu gives a supernatural approach (surprise, surprise), which ruins the entire theme.
Tilda Swinton makes her appearance as the Angel Gabriel; raising the level of talent significantly. She steals every scene she's in. Djimon Houston does a great job too, as could be expected.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but the movie may have had more success if it was made into a series of movies. The reason I say this is because there is so much to contemplate in this movie. The minute you grasp one concept, another one comes your way. They pack too much into a two hour movie. Too much information just ends up in mush. When you're dealing with the end of the world, I guess two hours just isn't enough.