Incredible

Rating: 8/10 (18 July 2005)

Okay, for starters, I haven't read a single Hellblazer comic. So sue me.
As soon as I saw the trailer, I thought, 'is this the one?' It was. Strong story, slick FX, and powerful performances from everyone - yes, even Keanu. I consider him to be a great actor, and though Constantine was a bit wooden, that's exactly what I would expect from a damned cancer sufferer - a really dry atmosphere.
For those who complain about the story - it's a fantasy film, filled with religious imagery, action, and dry humour. What's there not to like? Unless, of course, you just don't like supernaturalism in the first place.
The casting was wonderful. Rachael Weisz was strong and sexy, a perfect female lead. Ganin Rossdale was slimy enough, putting strength into his demon. Tilda Swinton as Gabriel is, in my opinion, the very definition of inspired casting. Pruitt Taylor Vince plays his pathetic yet helpful priest to perfection, and Djimon Hounsou balanced heroism and malice brilliantly. Finally, we have the Devil himself - Peter Stomare. Twitchy and cool, with a white suit and tar-coated feet as icing on the cake.
In the end, if you're a hard-core Hellblazer fanatic, or a tight anti-fantasy conservative, don't bother. If not, Ican't see a single reason why you wouldn't like this film.