Constantine (2005)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  6 / 10

  Constantine puts a supernatural twist to a typical murder investigation that feels slightly underwhelming. I realise this film does have a cult following, and I myself actually enjoy watching this. That does not mean I love it and think it's the best thing since sliced bread...it isn't. Demon hunter John Constantine gets involved with Angela who believes her twin sister was murdered instead of committing suicide. The two undergo a personal journey together where reality may not be the only world that exists. It's pretty much any investigative crime thriller but the suspects are angels and demons. There is so much religious jargon that it rather hurts my brain. Spear of Destiny, Gabriel, Satan's Son...the list goes on. Even though I myself am not religious, I found myself intrigued by the plot and its religious context. Yes, some parts are fictionalised for dramatic purposes but I never became bored. The plot is completely overstuffed with wasted supporting characters, an antagonist with an ambiguous motive and a few plot conveniences. But in saying that, it's just entertaining and intriguing. Plenty of slow motion visual effects and a visceral stylised version of hell keeps this film feeling fresh, even when watching it today. The stand out though, is John Constantine himself. A jaded, experienced and tired individual that consistently questions his destiny. Keanu Reeves was the perfect choice to portray this character, his serious monotonous line execution was sublime. Rachel Weisz was slightly underwhelming but was functional. Everyone else? Wasted potential. Tilda Swinton, Peter Stormare, heck even Shia LaBeouf just needed more screen time. The film is solely focussed on Constantine. For 121 minutes, is there enough substance to the character? Yes and no. I found the scene editing to be slightly rushed. No real transitions for the most part, where some scenes just feel like they were stringed together with no real thought. A good adaptation for a comic, I just wished there was more substance and a more intelligent approach.

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