“Constantine” is the sci-fi film that will thrill and startle audiences this winter.
Based on the graphic novel series “Hellblazer,” “Constantine” brings excitement to comic book aficionados that many might not have felt since the “X-Men” came to the big screen.
Although having been in a long list of action movies, “Constantine” reaffirms that Keanu Reeves is capable of playing the quick-witted action hero in his portrayal of John Constantine, a chain-smoking exorcist born with the ability to see half-breed angels and demons that inhabit Earth.
Tormented by his visions, Reeves’ character tries to end his life but is resuscitated and must return to Earth with the knowledge that he will eventually go to hell for his attempted suicide. So, he roams Los Angeles searching for demons, in hopes of gaining admittance into heaven.
By chance Constantine meets Angela Dodson, a police officer who innately senses evil but struggles to understand how she knows where to find the criminals. Rachel Weisz, whose roles include “The Mummy,” “About A Boy” and “Runaway Jury,” has a dual role as Dodson and her twin sister Isabel. Isabel, the audience finds out, has seen half-breed angels and demons her entire life and is institutionalized because of this. It looks as if Isabel has committed suicide, but Dodson will not accept that her devoutly Catholic sister would kill herself. Instead, Dodson pursues Constantine, hoping that with his connections she can discover the mystery behind her sister’s death. In a scene with spectacular special effects, Dodson, with help from Constantine, is ushered into hell by virtually drowning.
Close and odd angle shots are used throughout the movie, giving it a classic comic book effect. Constantine constantly is puffing on cigarettes and the close angle shots of him inhaling cigarette after cigarette make every breath painful to viewers. This movie could be an anti-smoking advertisement – Constantine coughs up blood, sometimes in the midst of fighting demons, and he continues to smoke even after he discovers that he has lung cancer.
Heavy religious overtones, while contributing significantly to the symbolism of the movie, might offend some viewers. For instance, the archangel Gabriel is played by Tilda Swinton in drag and one can never really tell whether the angel is supposed to be a man or a woman.
“Constantine” is suspenseful and intriguing and worth the money at the theater to fully appreciate the special effects. Beware: It might take a second viewing to clear up questions about the plot.
