This philosophical tale of spirituality and redemption is spoilt by a confusing plot.

Rating: 5/10 (13 March 2005)

As the streets fall quiet and the darkness approaches a mysterious Constantine creeps into cinemas with a frightening silence from audiences.
The film is based on the popular DC/Vertigo comic book, Hellblazer and directed by Francis Lawrence: a successful music video director.
Set in Los Angeles, the plot focuses on the rebel occultist John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), a man not wanted by heaven but instead desired by hell.
He was born with a gift  whereby he can see the things that others cannot. He can recognise the half-breed angels and demons that patrol Earth in human form.
John is a tortured soul, having taken his own life twice to escape the torrent of evil he witnesses on a daily basis. He lives in a hybrid state between the living and the dead, trying to earn his way to salvation by hunting down the demons that live amongst us.
When he meets police officer, Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) his life begins to have more meaning. She asks him to investigate the mysterious suicide of her twin sister and together they enter a journey through the world of demons and angels existing beneath the landscape of Los Angeles.
Will they find the answer to a string of devastating events and find the peace that Constantine so desperately needs?
This Hollywood blockbuster is a disturbing film with a complicated storyline about good versus evil. The movie seemed to echo other classic films, such as The Exorcist and The Matrix and struggles to find an independent voice of its own.
Although the film did boast of a high profile cast with strong performances from Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz (About a Boy and The Mummy Returns) in their convincing roles of John and Angela. My favourite actors were Shia LaBeouf (Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle and I,Robot) for his role of Chas; his impressive, laid back acting style was remarkable for his age and Peter Stormare's terrifying role of Satan.
So all in all be prepared for a frightening fantasy about demons with stomach churning moments that may even put you off your popcorn. Just remember not to have nightmares!