Constantine

No one can deny that Keanu has taken on the role as Sci-Fi go to guy ever since he was Neo. He has been in more science fiction films than anyone else, but no one can also deny he does it well. This is not necessarily Sci-Fi, but the category it falls under depends on what stance you take on religion. For some it could be fantasy, for others, a hard truth and a realistic look at the demons we hear about on Sunday morning. No matter your stance, this is a brilliant film. As for Keanu, maybe he feels more comfy in front of a green screen as opposed to a phone booth. He just fits these roles perfectly. Constantine looked great in the 2.5 minutes we were fed the months before it came out, and unfortunately I chose not to see it in the theater. I really should have. The depictions in the film are unlike any I have ever seen in any film. John Constantine (Reeves) had a near death attempt as a child and from that point he tried to use the abilities that were given to him, even though they are the reason he technically died. He is hired by Det. Angela Dodson to investigate the suicide of her twin sister Isabel. Angela (Weiss) is distraught over her sister's death, but more by the fact, that as a Catholic Isabel will go straight to Hell with no chance of redemption because she committed suicide. With Constantine's unique gift he takes a token of Isabel's in order to cross over directly to Hell. When he does get into Hell, it is one of the most intense visuals I have ever seen. I am versed with the Bible and the way Hell is depicted here is as close as I could possibly imagine, and it is scary, as I'm sure it would be. The dagger that stabbed Christ's side on the cross has been found in Mexico, and this is Lucifer's way to end mankind, so we think. As if Constantine doesn't have enough to deal with, Lung Cancer, a first class ticket to Hades upon his death, helping out the Detective, and constantly exterminating half breed demons, he now has to save everyone. I don't know how the film compares to the graphic novel, but in my mind, it has to be close. It is absolutely mind altering. The way he battles Heaven and Earth knowing their is no redemption for himself, he still fights the wind mills trying to buy his ticket to heaven. Peter Stormaire shows up as Lucifer who has been waiting for the demise of John. He wants him to be his newest tenant down stairs, and he wants to throw him in with all the half breeds he sent back. Tilda Swinton plays the Angel Gabriel who plays Devil's Advocate of sorts with John to get what she wants. There are so many angles, and they are all played to perfection. A young Shia LeBeouf is John's helper Chas. He provides the unnecessary comic relief, but his character is awesome. It comes down to John battling with not only half breeds but full on Demon's that have found out how to cross over themselves. This is a whole new ballgame for him, and he knows he has nothing to lose. The ending is where I just gasped in awe of what I was seeing. If you have not seen this and you like films of a paranormal or religious angle, you will love this film. It never gets old to me, and after having seen it 10 times, I finally let the credits roll for a whole new aspect to the film. A final 10 second scene that brings it more home than it already was. I haven't watched it in about a year now, so it's time. There are so many cool aspects to this film that I cannot even tap into through written word. All I can do is Urge any and all movie lovers to watch if if you haven't already.

NBM rates Constantine - Phenomenal