CONSTANTINE
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Djimon Hounsou...
Director: Fraincis Lawrence
Writer: Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello
Review Date: 02/19/05
Written By: suj
Rating: 9/10
THE PLOT:
Unwillingly caught in a wager between Heaven and Hell, John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) has nearly had enough. Tired, angry, and dying of lung cancer due to excessive smoking, Constantine longs for death but cannot stop himself from protecting the Earthbound from the demons and angels that prowl the streets. One of those in need of Constantine's help is Angela (Rachel Weisz), a detective who cannot figure out why her twin sister killed herself, and turns to Constantine when supernatural clues start to hint at the otherworldly mystery she's found herself in.
THE REVIEW:
Loosely based on the graphic novel "Hellblazer," the life of John Constantine is displayed on the silver screen with a world of demonic sights and angelic sounds, richly envisioned in the film by music video helmer Francis Lawrence. I got to say this cat, Lawrence, has a meticulous visual style which I fucking adore. The introduction of Constantine exiting a taxi, cigarette falling to the ground, various cuts and angles as he walks towards the entrance of the apposing apartment complex, visually pleasing tans of yellow, brown, and green, its was just absolutely fucking beautiful. Also, praise should also go to cinematographer Philippe Rousselot's for the exciting color scheme. Throughout the film Lawrence displays this amount of visual appeasement to my utter glee.
I feel the “controversial” casting of Keanu Reeves as Constantine pays off wonderfully for the film, his on-screen presence along with his oddball acting choices and Eastwood-like delivery make for an exciting character. And I must say I loved the character’s smart-ass demeanor. The casting is “controversial” because in its source material the character of John Constantine is British. I haven’t actually read a lot of the “Hellblazer” series (Still halfway through Ennis Dangerous Habits arc) so I can’t really analyze the true essence of the character. Though, not British he does run with the character’ other traits, including chain-smoking and general reticence in dealing with the afterlife and with that, Reeve’s portrayal rings true. After standing in the long shadow of the two "Matrix" sequels, Reeves is back as his old playful self. It's a terrific performance. As for the members of the cast: Shia LeBouf as the wisecracking sidekick was amusing, Rachel Weisz is a wonderful actress and from this performance I can’t wait till “The Fountain” is unleashed to the world, Djimon Hounsou is bad-ass with a hint of cool as the powerful being in neutrality, Tilda Swinton nails the unwieldy role of sneaky angel Gabriel, and hell Gavin Rossdale gives of a entertaining performance as the sleek pawn of satan.
Sure, some will say this film is far too long, lacks pace, and gets buried in its complex tale of good vs. evil. Quite frankly the people who make such comments are those who subsequently remove their magnified glass from their brown trench coat and vigorously search up and down a piece of film to find its dirty little squabbles, instead of actually sitting back, leaving all your fucking assholic problems out the door, and simply enjoy the film for what it is – a FUCKING MOVIE. "Constantine" manages to be truly exciting in its entire hellion foundry. Some notable sequences of joy include: the opening exorcism, Constantine hunting demons with his "Jesus shot-gun," his face-off with Satan's minions in a hospital, and the film’s final battle, among others.
There are plenty of good ideas presented in the finale of the film, with a dynamite resolution for Constantine that insures sequels. Though, I am engrossed in seeing the continued adventures of one John Constantine, I am more interested in seeing another Vertigo DC comic realized on the big screen that being the Garth Ennis/Steven Dillion epic modern spaghetti-western masterpiece known simply as “Preacher”. So, anyways back to Constantine – The film is wonderfully directed, with some appeasing performances, and a story that just kicked all ass. Here, here for the comic-movie enterprise to rule all – Coming up next: SIN fucking CITY!!!
Director: Fraincis Lawrence
Writer: Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello
Review Date: 02/19/05
Written By: suj
Rating: 9/10
THE PLOT:
Unwillingly caught in a wager between Heaven and Hell, John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) has nearly had enough. Tired, angry, and dying of lung cancer due to excessive smoking, Constantine longs for death but cannot stop himself from protecting the Earthbound from the demons and angels that prowl the streets. One of those in need of Constantine's help is Angela (Rachel Weisz), a detective who cannot figure out why her twin sister killed herself, and turns to Constantine when supernatural clues start to hint at the otherworldly mystery she's found herself in.
THE REVIEW:
Loosely based on the graphic novel "Hellblazer," the life of John Constantine is displayed on the silver screen with a world of demonic sights and angelic sounds, richly envisioned in the film by music video helmer Francis Lawrence. I got to say this cat, Lawrence, has a meticulous visual style which I fucking adore. The introduction of Constantine exiting a taxi, cigarette falling to the ground, various cuts and angles as he walks towards the entrance of the apposing apartment complex, visually pleasing tans of yellow, brown, and green, its was just absolutely fucking beautiful. Also, praise should also go to cinematographer Philippe Rousselot's for the exciting color scheme. Throughout the film Lawrence displays this amount of visual appeasement to my utter glee.
I feel the “controversial” casting of Keanu Reeves as Constantine pays off wonderfully for the film, his on-screen presence along with his oddball acting choices and Eastwood-like delivery make for an exciting character. And I must say I loved the character’s smart-ass demeanor. The casting is “controversial” because in its source material the character of John Constantine is British. I haven’t actually read a lot of the “Hellblazer” series (Still halfway through Ennis Dangerous Habits arc) so I can’t really analyze the true essence of the character. Though, not British he does run with the character’ other traits, including chain-smoking and general reticence in dealing with the afterlife and with that, Reeve’s portrayal rings true. After standing in the long shadow of the two "Matrix" sequels, Reeves is back as his old playful self. It's a terrific performance. As for the members of the cast: Shia LeBouf as the wisecracking sidekick was amusing, Rachel Weisz is a wonderful actress and from this performance I can’t wait till “The Fountain” is unleashed to the world, Djimon Hounsou is bad-ass with a hint of cool as the powerful being in neutrality, Tilda Swinton nails the unwieldy role of sneaky angel Gabriel, and hell Gavin Rossdale gives of a entertaining performance as the sleek pawn of satan.
Sure, some will say this film is far too long, lacks pace, and gets buried in its complex tale of good vs. evil. Quite frankly the people who make such comments are those who subsequently remove their magnified glass from their brown trench coat and vigorously search up and down a piece of film to find its dirty little squabbles, instead of actually sitting back, leaving all your fucking assholic problems out the door, and simply enjoy the film for what it is – a FUCKING MOVIE. "Constantine" manages to be truly exciting in its entire hellion foundry. Some notable sequences of joy include: the opening exorcism, Constantine hunting demons with his "Jesus shot-gun," his face-off with Satan's minions in a hospital, and the film’s final battle, among others.
There are plenty of good ideas presented in the finale of the film, with a dynamite resolution for Constantine that insures sequels. Though, I am engrossed in seeing the continued adventures of one John Constantine, I am more interested in seeing another Vertigo DC comic realized on the big screen that being the Garth Ennis/Steven Dillion epic modern spaghetti-western masterpiece known simply as “Preacher”. So, anyways back to Constantine – The film is wonderfully directed, with some appeasing performances, and a story that just kicked all ass. Here, here for the comic-movie enterprise to rule all – Coming up next: SIN fucking CITY!!!
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