Constantine [Blu-ray] Review
Constantine [Blu-ray] Feature
- Based on the DC Comics/Vertigo Hellblazer graphic novels and written by Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello, Constantine tells the story of John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), a man who has literally been to hell and back. When he teams up with skeptical policewoman Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) to solve the mysterious suicide of her twin sister, their investigation takes them through the world of demons
In the grand scheme of theological thrillers,
Constantine aspires for the greatness of
The Exorcist but ranks more closely with
The Order. Based on the popular
Hellblazer comic book series, and directed with nary a shred of intelligence by music video veteran Francis Lawrence, it's basically
The Matrix with swarming demons instead of swarming machines. Keanu Reeves slightly modifies his
Matrix persona as John Constantine, who roams the dark-spots of Los Angeles looking for good-evil, angel-devil half-breeds to ensure that "the balance" between God and Satan is properly maintained. An ancient artifact and the detective twin of a woman who committed evil-induced suicide (Rachel Weisz) factor into the plot, which is taken so seriously that you'll want to stand up and cheer when Tilda Swinton swoops down as the cross-dressing angel Gabriel and turns this silliness into the camp-fest it really is. The digital effects are way cool (dig those hellspawn with the tops of their heads lopped off!), so if you don't mind a juvenile lesson in pseudo-Catholic salvation,
Constantine is just the movie for you!
--Jeff Shannon
Bluray Disc
