Why does everyone hate this movie?

Rating: 8/10 (7 May 2005)

There are so many things to enjoy in this movie that I was too busy enjoying them to complain! Here's my 2 cents.
Right off the bat, the film has excellent camera work, editing and sound. Above par is what I would call it. Color scheming is amazing and the dark style is right on.
Even if you hate Keanu, the supporting actors in this movie are great. Pruitt Taylor Vince is extremely under rated as an actor. Shia was awesome as the kid, Djimon was fantastic.. Even Gavin was extremely effective as a soft spoken hate peddler. AND I have to say after seeing that movie, the first thing I said was.. "Keanu actually did something that approximates acting." I'm a fan of all that hocus pocus, religious artifacting. Growing up with movies like Indiana Jones, I have a soft spot for that type of thing. And the Lance of Longinus is the most powerful one of the bunch. Little things like the wilder beasts falling over, dead.. the cat and water deal.. The vermin man.. Even their version of hell were really well thought out. The angels and demons even stand out with that eye lighting technique.
Just for Peter Stormare, this movie was worth it. That whole last scene was one of the most intense climaxes I have seen in years. Just when I thought it couldn't get any cooler, things kept getting better and better. The whole action-reaction and consequence domino effect kept me on the edge of my seat.
For my money, this movie really hit it out of the park. Going in I kept my expectations adjusted for Keanu, but I was completely surprised. I wasn't expecting such a well made film. Take it for what it is, you may enjoy it too.