Constantine
by PoeticCrow

 

If you are a fan of the Prophecy series, then you will recognizes the plot elements of Constantine. Angels and demons at war for the domination of human souls. Yet, there are enough differences between the two that it actually makes Constantine stand on its own. Also, if you are a fan of the Vertigo comic, you might be put off at it not being true to the source material. Especially after the fact that movies like Sin City and Batman Begins remained faithful to their comic origins and proved that it works, and works well. So that fact that Keanu Reeves does not support a British accent and blond locks might put you off. But don't let it. This movie is a gem on allot of levels.

First off the biggest obstacle one has to get over before they decide to watch this film, Keanu Reeves. It seems that critics like to destroy Reeves in print every chance they get. Calling him a "wooden actor" to labeling him just a "pretty face". Personally I think they protest too much. It is almost as if it putting Reeves in a disparaging light they elevate their status as a critic, maybe they think it gains them more credibility. Granted, some of it is warranted. In Coppala's Dracula, he really did seem out of place, being a last minute replacement for Johnny Depp, but that was long ago. Since then Reeves has evolved. You only have to see him in Sam Rami's Gift and read the praise Rami wrote about him to see that Reeves is really an in-depth, articulate person with allot of humility. So no, there is no Reeves bashing here. In fact, he portrays the essence of Constantine through personality alone without the props of blonde hair and British accent. That isn't easy.

World weary, self destructive and cancer ridden makes Constantine the epitome of the reluctant hero. Using his skill in the occult to send demon half breeds that break the rules back to hell so that he can buy himself a stairway to heaven. Suddenly the rules are changing, full breed demons are trying to cross over, all hell is breaking lose, literally. Throw in the Spear of Destiny, the spear that killed Christ on the cross, a pair of psychic twins, an androgynous Gabriel and an opportunistic half breed demon and you find yourself in the middle of a sulfur pit of a plot.

One thing I found excellent about the story, though some may have been lost, was the fact that they don't bother to explain all the religious iconography in the film. They throw it out there for you to either accept or not, destroying all pretension. Here is Constantine, the warrior for heaven, kicking demonic ass and taking names later. You either follow the celestial rules or go back where you came from.

Enter a pair of psychic twins, portrayed by Rachel Wiesz. One who accepted her gift and committed suicide and the other in denial that became a cop. While the surviving twin tries to enlist the aid of Constantine to investigate her sister's death it also appears that she herself is the focus of demonic attention. While the plot unravels we are also introduced to a variety of characters that are either helpful, neutral or antagonistic to our anti-hero's quest.

The Cast:

Reeves emboides the spirit of Constantine almost effortlessly. You can feel the cancer eating away at him as he looks with a cynical twist on the celestial scheme of things. He is a lonely soul that trudges through the mire of battle being a relunctatnt soldier of his own lost cause.

Shia LaBeouf plays Chaz, Constantine's apprentice. Wanting to get more involved in his mentor's work but is held back due to Constantine's protective tutoring. Max Baker plays the seedy Beeman, who supplies Constantine with much of his occulted arsenal. The holy shotgun is really a nice prop, instead of coming off as hokey, it actually is pretty wicked. Francis Guinan plays the alcoholic Father Garret who alerts Constantine of demonic activity.Djimon Hounsou plays Midnite, a bar owner in a neutral zone. An ex-partner of Constantine who now does not involve himself in the comings and goings of the warring realms. He is in charge of "the chair". "The chair" being an electric chair from the prison sing-sing that transported over a hundred souls to the after life and is now a conduit for passing through the planes.

Gabriel, played beautifully by Tilda Swinton, is Constantine's earthly contact to heaven's political machine. Peter Stormare later appears as Lucifer, who would gladly come up from hell to collect Constantine's soul. A half breed demon, Balthazar, played by Gavin Rossdale, hangs about on the fringe trying to orchestrate an occurrence that will change the balance.

I have to admit though, I know they were trying to bring a different interpretation of Lucifer, but still the best remains with me, Vigo from Prophecy. But Peter Stormare does a deliciously foul Lucifer.

The Look:

This movie is a visual feast pulling out allot of references to Bosh. Hell never looked more twisted. There is enough eye candy here to make you want to watch it again just for the effects alone, but if you do, you will miss smart story telling and an excellent performance by Reeves and crew. So watch it for the story as well.

 

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