The exorcist becomes an Action/Horror flick, but is that enough?

Rating: 9/10 (19 February 2005)

I come into seeing this movie thinking it is going to be the Christian end of the world version of the Matrix. While I am not a Constantine graphical novel fan, this movie definitely feels like a Vertigo product.
John Constantine (Kenue) plays his part like a dream. A chain smoking demon exorcist bad ass who knows something, and because he does, he is paying for with fees on his soul every day. While hunting, Constantine runs into LA cop Anglia (Rachel Weisz) and the Demon hunter happens, and down the rabbit hole he goes. ^^ The movie gets one thing perfectly right, it carries that dark graphical novel feel with it. One could put little square text boxes in the corner if needed, and it would work seamlessly. The catch, is that like most graphical novels, is that there is usually a bit too much dialog over action. For those expecting a Matrix esq trill ride, might want to pick look else where. But for those that like devilishly dark films with a biblical. It comes off a lot like the exorcist, with action and horror. Not the most perfect mix, but the While a masters in Christian history is not required, the complete clueless will feel lost when watching this film unless they are paying close attention. As a mythology buff, there are parts 'dumbed down'. The lance of Longilus is called more aptly, the spear of dynasty (the blade that pierced Jesus and was stained with his blood, while other parts, (namely towards the end, which I will not give away for spoiler reasons) are amped up. But the final act has a few twists and surprises that make it a thrill.
Definitely a movie I'd recommend seeing.