Constantine will Blow You Away...

Rating: 7/10 (1 July 2005)

Keanu Reeves has found his look in his new movie Constantine as John Constantine, a man wanted by the devil and rejected by God, trying to buy his way into heaven by sending demons back to where they came from.
Along with Reeves (The Matrix trilogy) is Rachel Weisz (The Mummy, Enemy at the Gates) as Angela Dodson, a young detective who mourns the loss of her twin sister Isabel, also played by Weisz. The two cross paths when Isabel commits suicide, which Angela can't conceive as possible, for her sister is a devout Catholic.
Reeves with his ability to see demons and angels will help Angela find out what happens to her sister after her death and essentially save the world from being taken over by the spawn of Satan.
Reeves gives a performance that will satisfy audiences, with witty remarks and a will to do anything. Constantine's smoking makes him not a superhero, but just another person with lung trouble. A character some folks can relate to makes him likable and not appalling.
The character John Constantine first appeared in the DC comic series Swamp Thing as a background character developed to look like the artist Sting, and evolved into a mentor to Swamp Thing. In 1987, the series Hellblazer was introduced and would be passed onto British writer Jamie Delano, bringing Constantine to life. The series attracted a cult following.
The first time director Francis Lawrence changes the pace from directing music videos for Brittany Spears and Aerosmith to making movies. This attempt at recreating DC Comics Hellblazer comic series is one that fans will love, but others might be turned off.
Lawrence's attempt at bringing Constantine to life works. The edgy and mysterious Constantine has a presence that is quite powerful, much like Batman. His reckless attitude are fueled by his unknown origins and interesting barrage of weapons used to drag demons out of people and "deport" them back to hell.
Lawrence uses the eyes of the characters very well, giving demons a red hue, and angels a gold coloration. This minor detail gives them more of an evil and menacing look to them. The special effects department did its job very nicely. Whether it be heaven, earth, or hell, the effects will please everyone.
The movie uses religious symbolism a lot. The movie takes place in Los Angeles or "The City of Angels" if translated into Spanish. The characters Angela, which sounds a lot like angel, and Constantine, who was the first catholic Holy Roman Emperor, also have religious connections.
The movie isn't completely well done. The beginning of the movie leaves you confused and unsure of what's going on. The action is present way too early. After the opening scene of a man being crushed by a car and walking away, Reeves casts a demon out of a little girl. Why or how he did this is a mystery until later on in the movie when his identity is made known. Not everything should be explained, but there are certain aspects that need to be explained.
Overall the movie was very good. This isn't a movie for everyone, though. Only people who enjoy comic book movies or are looking for a more involved action movie would want to see this. The action is great, a story line that goes well with the comic book series, but the subject matter is not intended for all audiences. This movie is worth the money.