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Plot:
John Constantine has been to hell and back. Born with a gift he didn't want, the ability to clearly recognize the half-breed angels and demons that walk the earth in human skin, Constantine was driven...( read more
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Constantine Recent Reviews
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Recent Reviews
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MCT:December 21, 2008
Constantine: "How's the family?
Satan: "Family's doing just fine. Busy, busy, busy, busy. Need a vacation."
Yet another dark themed movie, based on a DC comic. John Constantine is a demon hunter who's set for a life in hell. He tries his best to earn a ticket to heaven by "doing the Lord's work".
The story is interesting and based on early Hellblazer issues. I'm not keen on telling too much of the story but like I said, it's interesting and develops fast.
Francis Lawrence's past as a music video director can be seen. "Constantine" is visually beautiful and his vision of Hell is something that, those in faith, would not want to experience.. The CGI is topnotch and feasts the eye.
Peter Stormare, my favourite Swede, does a small but important role as Satan. He's always a joy to watch and the only memorable character in the movie. Keanu Reeves is fit for the part and captures well the depressed and troubled character, haunted by his past.
"John, you really need to prepare... make arrangements.
- No need. I already know exactly where I'm going."
"Constantine" is worth a look but woun't last many viewings. But as a first look it's a fun ride and easily recommended to those who are interested in God's and Satan's battle for mankind...
"Tell me this isn't about the girl?
- Definitely, mostly not about the girl." -
MCT:November 17, 2008
''I guess God has a plan for all of us.''
''God's a kid with an ant farm, lady. He's not planning anything.''
Based on the DC/Vertigo comic book Hellblazer and written by Kevin Brodbin, Mark Bomback and Frank Capello, Constantine tells the story of irreverent supernatural detective John Constantine , who has literally been to hell and back
Keanu Reeves: John Constantine
Constantine was the Roman emperor who recognized Christianity and made if possible for the Church to move from the underground into the public arena. He did it out of convenience, thinking that it would be easier to work with the Christian church than try to fight it. He lived most of his life as a ruthless leader who gave the orders to kill even members of his family. Constantine accomplished much good in his life, even though he had what most would say were impure motives.
But the Roman Constantine is not the same as the same-named title character of the new film, Constantine from DC-Vertigo Comics and Warner Brothers Pictures. Or is he? John Constantine, from the comic novels Hellblazer is doomed to hell when he dies. His situation may be hopeless, but he operates as if he could buy his way into heaven by doing enough good by removing enough evil from the world. He's a chain-smoking, hard-drinking, rude and uncaring man who is the hero of our film.
His motivation is mysteriously shrouded. He's constantly being told that what he's doing has no effect on him going to Heaven or not, but he does so anyway, as Gabriel so eloquently puts it, ''You're Fucked!'' .
It's not like we're talking about helping old ladies do their shopping, he's fighting demons and the forces of darkness, having to lay his hands on holy water and appropriate weapons in a holy war of havoc. This is dangerous work, Gods work that has already earned the residence and number of Hell's populace. Since that's where he's destined to go, why honk off the locals who are already going to torture you for eternity anyway?
We're to believe that he is developing certain feelings towards Angela through the movie. We know this because he kisses her once. And he considered asking her to get naked, sigh. That's it, that's the lengths of the character development in this direction, and I think its a bold move, to give him a sense of humour.
I always love the part also where he traps a spider under a glass, then blowing smoke into it's confines, wittingly says, ''Welcome to my life..., it's priceless and it never ceases to crack a smile on my wryly curving lips.
Also supporting him in his adventure, are powerful greats including my fave Rachel Weisz (Angela), Djimon Hounsou (Papa Midnite), Tilda Swinton (Gabriel), Peter Stormare (Satan), and even Shia LaBeouf (Constantine's sidekick Chaz), all delivering turn up performances that range from strong to excellent.
''Angels and Demons can't cross over onto our plane. So, instead we get what I call half-breeds. The influence peddlers. They can only whisper in our ears. But a single word can give you courage, or turn your favorite pleasure into your worst nightmare. Those with the demon's touch like those part angel, living alongside us. They call it the balance. I call it hypocritical bullshit.''
Constantine packs a punch at it's respective target audience.
Perhaps also a direct relation can be made to relapsed catholics and moderate Christians. I found the story fascinating and one of depth even though I know of more extreme constituencies that would readily claim to be offended by everything portrayed within the movie.
It speaks to the daily struggle that believers have to reconcile modern lifestyles with their fledgling faith and their own state of health and mind. Even though the believer's reality is cast in a more literal, exaggerated form, the main points are not lost in my opinion. Here are some of the important ones: No one great or small should claim to know the true will or pretend to understand God. If they cross that threshold where they truly believe they have a personal understanding of God and His wishes, they are rightly deemed to be quite mad and should be confined to a small padded room as soon as possible. No exceptions.
There is a purpose and direction in everyone's lives. Death is not necessarily the final goal or destination but one where the Journey ultimately is valued more that the end conclusion.
Attentions are still bestowed upon us all on an individual basis even while globular events both bad and good are occurring all the time. The individual pieces of the world mosaic are not overlooked or forgotten. An accounting will inevitably be made of each of us because that is the way of this world. If we allow the fear of personal failures to overwhelm our lives and let addictions however insidiously fixate us to the point of complete immobility, the cost may still be our very soul, in this case John's soul, who he fights to gain a place for his soul in the afterlife to come.
John, let's face it is a cynical exorcist who only does his job to reach heaven by banishing half-breed demons that walk the Earth back to the fiery chasms from whence they came. When he is summoned upon by a LAPD detective investigating the apparent suicide of her twin sister, the two stray between this world and the next, realizing the balance between good and evil is upset and in a kind of upheaval state.
As flimsy as that premise sounds, and with no apparent villain until the third final Act, Constantine still blasts across the screen, with Director Francis Lawrence unafraid to get his hands dirty, he unrelentingly puts the camera in the middle of the action. Some scenes are simply beautifully executed. The opening scene springs to mind, or the slow-motion sequence in the bathtub, challenging the realm of acceptability in what's essentially an action movie with supernatural overtones. Of course this means some things get murky or diluted, we could without a few needless special effects, for example, or lose a silly voice now and again.
''I used to pretend that I didn't - that I didn't see things.''
But let's just say John Constantine is one hell of an anti-hero. Exorcising demons is one thing, sticking your feet in cold water and staring at a cat to go to Hades for a casual acquaintance is something else entirely. Think what you like about Keanu Reeves' acting abilities, he's always there to make your time a cool slick one, and here he makes the unlikeable likeable, despite pronouncing every syllable he's given. His tone is offhand and bleakly hilarious (shades of Neo) and keeps us distanced enough to stay rapt for the duration. Rachel Weisz however is something of a revelation, her quiet, introspective role is the best in the film and she really keeps us anchored throughout.
The hard sell of switching former blond Liverpudlian John Constantine into a well-toned LA denizen is no sin, the vast backdrop adding much-needed depth to a thin story which needs to be layered with caricatured priests, sidekicks, and wacky side characters to maintain any form of lucidity. Still Constantine is very much a love/hate movie, and even those on the negative side of the camp cannot fault it for it's artistic vision and ideologies.
''This is Constantine. John Constantine. Asshole.'' -
MCT:July 9, 2008loved this movie
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MCT:July 6, 2008Caught this on FX today...the movie was extremely quiet for some reason. Couldn't hear the damn thing...then the commericals nearly gave me a heart attack cuz I had the volume cranked so loud.
Keanu does a decent job...Weisz is nothing special...Le Douche is just as big of a douche as ever...so of course he lowers the score.
I did like the visuals and the way it was filmed, though - great atmosphere created. 3/5 stars -
MCT:May 29, 2008
Gabriel: "Your ego is astounding.
John Constantine: Gabriel. Figures. "And the wicked shall inherit the Earth".
Gabriel: You judging me now, John?
John Constantine: Betrayal, murder, genocide, call me provincial."
Let me first disclose that I am ignorant to the DC/Vertigo comic, Hellblazer, this film is based on. So if you want to know if the film is faithful to its graphic novel roots, you'll have to look elsewhere. I'll admit it, though: I'm a sucker for Christian mythology played against thriller and action settings. I'm captivated by the imagery, the discussion of Heaven and Hell - although my belief is that none exists - and its mythical logistics, and just the psychology of supernatural biblical beings. With this in mind, it took me more than I expected to watch Constantine. What I got wasn't exactly what I expected but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't entertained.
John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) is a very troubled man. Since his youth he's had to live with his gift that allows him to see through earthy disguises and witness angels and monstrous demons walking among us. He's turned this ability into a modest side job of exorcizing demons and sending them back to Hell. Constantine figures his loyal service should grant him passage into the pearly gates, but Archangel Gabriel (Tilda Swinton) reminds him that that's not how it works. Constantine is doomed to go to Hell because he tried taking his own life as a kid, and if that's not enough he also has terminal lung cancer from smoking like a chimney. "In other words, you're fucked," Gabriel confides to Constantine.
Police detective Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) is investigating the suicide of her twin sister (also Weisz). She swears her mentally disturbed sis wouldn't do such a thing, and she seeks out the help of Constantine. He challenges her beliefs, stating that God and the Devil (Peter Stormare) have a wager over the souls of mankind but cannot directly interfere. But now something is breaking this rule and it looks like demons may be getting closer to entering our plane, and it looks like Angela's dead sister may have known more than people would have thought.
The plot of Constantine is dominated by contrivances, aborted sub-plots, underwritten and nearly forgotten supporting characters, and sketchy logic (staring at a cat can transport you to Hell? Nice!). Often the film feels overwhelmed by good special effects, as they seem to be the crux of the film's purpose of being and not, on the other hand, a theological playground of ideas. Constantine gives veiled glimpses of something smart, but routinely shuts that door to focus more on what ultimately makes it such a fun and entertaining flick: great special effects, fast and well-crafted action, charming and charismatic actors and a stylishly moody and Gothic atmosphere.
It's interesting that after spending two years making The Matrix sequels, Keanu Reeves would choose to attach himself to another big-budget theological action flick. He never really rises beyond the morose loner but somehow makes for a satisfying, brooding hero. Reeves' low-key monotone speaking voice allows him to spout cheesy dialogue with a straight face and mercifully keeps the audience grounded. Weisz is solid, bringing intelligence and vulnerability to an underwritten role and looking as gorgeous as ever, while LaBeouf plays pretty much the same character he played in I, Robot. The true stars of Constantine, however, are the memorable supporting players. Swinton uses her hermaphroditic looks to forge what David Bowie might be like as an angel: angular, mysterious, forsaken, and somewhat creepy. I can't remember having so much fun watching an actor having fun on screen. Stormare delivers a performance so loony, that it could only be compared to the weirder moments of Christopher Walken. Both actors truly liven up the film.
The occasional brilliance of Constantine is in its game it holds with the audience. Suspension of disbelief is needed to even go along for the ride, but when we start learning that Hell has its own line of Bibles (and they're longer) we've gone beyond suspension of disbelief and into wacky I-speak-to-aliens land. While sitting through Constantine, we the audience think, "There's no way this film could get any sillier." And then it does! We think, "All right, that was crazy. Now there's no way after that this film could get any sillier." And then it does, again. Constantine is an amazing ascent into film madness. After a while, I became drunk from the film's insanity and wanted it to get even crazier, if possible. It almost seems like there's a drinking contest between the film and the audience, and Constantine isn't afraid to piss its pants to win.
By the time Lucifer shows up, clad in all white à la Alec Guinness' Sidney Stratton, and the Dark Lord appears to have Tourette's Syndrome and/or a speech impediment, Constantine has hit the bottom of its Insanity cup. Sure, the film's cinematography is slick, and the premise is intriguing, but the real draw of Constantine and the real enjoyment of the flick is how bat-shit crazy it is. In a good way. I'm sure David Lynch had a blast if he saw this.
With del Toro's Hellboy establishing something of a niche market for heroes who travel not just from Hell to Earth, but from comic book to the silver screen, it was really only a matter of time before Constantine would get a cinematic incarnation. Reminding me of what said about Underworld a couple of days ago, Constantine is the kind of film that's destined to be rejected and hated by Film critics. Again, can't quite get what's their problem. This is, despite its flaws and limitations, a fine film, shot in subdued browns and shadows, with its protagonist more like a carefree anti-hero than a muscle-bound superhero. Sure, there are the occasional CGI beasts to fight, but these are, if you can believe it, rather understated - and even Satan himself is really just a guy in a white suit. Constantine is concerned less with demonic destruction than with allegorising the eternal conflict between good and evil, sin and redemption (note the main character's initials) - which is why right from the outset it aligns itself directly to that other enormous, classic horror film with a strongly theological bent, The Exorcist.
Constantine is thrilling, funny, frustrating, confusing, gorgeous, and just plain insane. The film exhibits a rare and engaging form of insanity that may glue audience eyeballs to the screen to see what happens next. I've seen Constantine twice (don't ask why) and, even though I knew all the weird plot turns, I still found myself getting an enjoyable contact buzz from the film. Who knows how long such a novelty can sustain itself, though. Comic book fans, especially those with a spiritual bent, should get a kick out of Constantine as will anyone else searching for a pristine example of how wonderfully out of control Hollywood filmmaking can be. Sometimes - very rarely - in a good way. -
MCT:January 7, 2009
Waited for this movie a lot... When it finally came out to the movie theathers I came out of the room with a smile :) Unusual story at the time, nice twist on the good vs evil plot. It's a great movie to see on rainy days :)
Comments
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ChildOfDurzaposted 231 days ago -
does anyone know how to rip the picture of an angelic shia off the end of the movie
posted 317 days ago -
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hey i love this mvie it was aswome how u made all the demones it was aswome i give it a 2 thumbs up
posted 525 days ago -
All I can say is that this movie was good in spite of the bad story. Look for the sequal to be twice as dark and have a much better story behind it!
posted 552 days ago -
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This is a fave of mine, despite it's many potholes in the script. It was actually more than I expected, I expected something written badly with your usual gratuitous violence and gore. Instead you get lots of snark and sarcasm, violence but not too much to make it redundant and a pretty good cast. All in all worth the rental and/or buying on eBay fees.
posted 614 days ago -
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This movie is simply sick with it!! Truly fucking wicked. My fav of all time! Mind you that I have never heard of the comics before, but I'm into graphics, so I wouldn't give a fuck about some comicshyt
posted 657 days ago
