I disagree

Rating: 8/10 (16 March 2005)

OK.
First off, I have never read the comics and to be perfectly honest I knew little to nothing about the film before I saw it. I didn't even know the story or much about the characters.
I saw the film because it looked good. Turns out, very good. The special effects are top notch, and the whole portrayal of Hell looks really nice. I slight twist on an underground cave of fire and brimstone (but still keeping traditional elements). I don't want to go into much more detail because it might spoil it, but trust me, it is a visual treat. Also, look out for the glass.
As far as the storyline goes, its quick, I think the whole film is contained in the time-span of one week or so, but there's a few flashbacks and conversations that explain the back-story. It really isn't hard to pick up, and it isn't that complicated, but it serves the purpose well. I'm not really sure what genre this film sits in, but it isn't really a horror, or a thriller, or an action movie (and it definitely isn't a drama). I guess its got aspects of each, but I'm sure its probably been classed as something weird like COMIC BOOK PYSUDO-RELIGIOUS EXERCISM ACTION-THRILLER.
If you're religious and think this film may be blasphemous (appologies for poor spelling), it isn't. It does have a catholic theme, but only slightly. It is fiction. Remember that.
The acting (except for the chas) is good, and Keanu proves he can do other roles than simply neo or ted. Kudos to him anyway for smoking all those cigarettes. If he ain't a smoker, that'd be quite nasty. Oh, and he ISN'T a detective as far as the film makes out. He's an exorcist.
Its nice to see a DC comic made into a good film, and I hope it will continue with batman begins. Also, they took a risk making it a 15 certificate, to my recollection there isn't that many comic-film crossovers that do that (except the blade series), and it worked well. I think with the theme and the content, it would've sucked if it was made for little kids.
This review probably isn't of any use to anyone, but I just wanted to rant on while I'm on my lunch hour. I'm gonna see it again. You should see it at least once.