Stunning visuals, incoherent religious discussion ruins story & plot

Rating: 3/10 (5 November 2005)

After browsing through the new releases at the local video rental store, I found the movie Constantine. I remember seeing the ads for the movie and thinking how interesting this film looked; the visuals looked spectacular, the story had an affiliation with D/C comics (I'm not familiar with this particular comic) and it listed Keanu Reeves as the lead role.
So I bit the bullet and decided to rent this one. Overall, I thought the visuals, editing, and cinematography were fantastic. The cast selection was fairly good; the acting was superb. Yet somehow, I really didn't find the religious discussion from the plot and story in good taste.
Allow me to back track. When someone rents a film about demons and such, it's a given that there is going to be some form or sort of religious discussion. And usually the religious discussion has some sort of merit or something to fall back on.
In this film, the writers create somewhat of a new religion of their own desires. One reference is the reference to the 17th chapter of Corithians. No such chapter exists in real life; but in the movie, Hell's bible contains these plus more chapters.
Next, the whole religious thought that writers implement in the movie is grossly flawed. The Bible teaches us that God is the Only Supreme Ruler over all creation - see the 10 Commandments. In the film, Satan is equal with God.
The Bible teaches us that God has no son (Numbers 23:19), yet in the movie, God and Satan are said to have children who fight with one another. The Bible teaches us that Jesus (peace on him) is a prophet of God and is a man (James 1:13, Matthew 4:1). Yet in the movie the religious people constantly blaspheme by saying otherwise.
Heaven and Hell are portrayed as NYC city; hell being a junkyard with fire; Heaven being surrounded by beautiful clouds.
I could go on and on and on, but I'd rather not. The point I'm trying to make is that not being religiously factual or accurate really destroyed the plot of the film, in my opinion. How could I enjoy this film when I kept thinking, "the Bible says otherwise." ? People who have no concern for religion and blasphemy might enjoy this film more than I did. People with concern for religion should approach this film with an open mind. Otherwise, you're very likely to become offended.
So I conclude by saying the above summary title says it all. And what a pity because the film had enormous amount of potential.