Decent little action/horror flick

Rating: Null/10 (9 December 2005)

The Joe Cool Review For Constantine(2005)
Starring: Keanu Reeves as John Constantine, Rachel Weisz as Angela Dodson, Shia LeBeouf as Chas, Gavin Rossdale as Balthazar, and Tilda Swinton as Gabriel
Plot: John Constantine, a man who smokes like cigarettes are going out of style and generally has a "don't care" attitude is a supernatural detective who performs exorcisms and sends demons back to hell. He soon learns of a plot for Satan's son to conquer the earth and only he can stop it.
Openers: First off, let me say I have not read any stories of Hellblazer or Constantine before seeing this movie. Constantine is originally based on a DC/Vertigo comic book. Apparently that John Constantine is blond and British. So he's not Keanu Reeves. I don't see a problem but that's just me. Anyway let's get to the review.
The Good: The best thing about Constantine(and I'm going to get crap for this) was Keanu. The man nailed the part and made Constantine look like a severely cool dude, who won't take crap from anyone and just has his own general problems too. Mainly he's trying to buy his way into Heaven by sending demons to Hell. Because he committed suicide and that's against the rules so he's doomed to go Hell, thanks to the lung cancer(does not stop smoking though). Keanu takes this role and makes it his own. I can't say I related, but I felt for the guy and wanted to see something, anything, good happen to him in the end. But Keanu's not carrying the movie on his shoulders. He's got some talent supporting him. Rachel Weisz carries herself well as Angela. She had a good chemistry with Constantine that thankfully didn't fall into the a-typical "lead guy and lead girl fall in love" category. Shia LeBeouf surprised me as Chas, mainly because I'm used to seeing him in family-oriented stuff. He did well and I liked his character. Constantine also had the dreary look and feel to it. Hell looked GREAT. Well, in terms of the effects and the look in general...not saying I'd want to stay there. The movie had it's fair share of gore too: A bashed in demon head, organs ripped out of ones body, blood, disintegrating demons and a slit wrist. Special considerations go to Djimon Hounsou(Midnite) and Peter Stormare(Lucifer, Satan, The Devil, etc) for bringing life to their roles when they were on screen. Who knew Satan was a funny guy?
The Bad: Tilda Swinton was pretty bad as Gabriel. First off, isn't Gabriel supposed to be a guy? Not that it matters. I just didn't like her character even before I found out more about her. The CGI, while when it small doses was effective got to be a little much. For example Constantine performing an exorcism and seeing a demon in the mirror, the demon looked a little cartoon-like. Same with the ones in Hell. They worked best hidden in shadow. Also seeing a blown off chuck of face talk isn't exactly what I'd call good. Plus running in at 2 hours, this movie can tend to drag or repeat itself in spots.
The Ugly: Gavin Rossdale(Yes, THAT Gavin Rossdale, of Bush fame) seemed kind of, well, gay as Balthazar. But maybe that's how the character was supposed to come off("Finger licking good!"). He hammed it up the entire time he was on screen and left me shaking my head. Unintentional comedy at it's finest.
Final Verdict: Overall, Constantine was a fun ride and I'd gladly pay to see it again.
Rating: **** of *****