Constantine (Two Disc Edition) [DVD]

 

 

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It seemed, when details of the casting for this film were released, that the minds of a million nerdy Hellblazer fans (me included) exploded in disbelief and anger. Keanu Reeves as John Constantine!! That's Keanu 'dark hair, American' Reeves as very English ex-punk, chain-smoker and Sting lookalike John Constantine!!! Eh, how's that gonna work?? we cried, and scratched our heads bemusedly.
Well, i have to say, i think the film is good. It's darker than most Hollywood productions, which is always welcome, and it does try valiantly to stick to some aspects of the comics. The biggest mistake made here is definately the changes in the character of Chas (shameful!), and not the casting of Keanu!
The premise is one fairly familiar to those who read comics of any sort i'd imagine, not a particularly in-depth plot, but one that adheres to JC's character very well, and draws on the Dangerous Habits story-lines. Basically, after trying to commit suicide, he is attempting to gain his place in heaven back by killing demons running free on Earth. He encounters a young cop, played by Rachel Weisz, who needs help investigating the strange death of her twin sister. Never fear though, this meeting does not herald the beginning of yet another dull, vacuous, pointless Hollywood love interest story-line. JC would much rather kiss a Marlboro than a girl, ya see!!
As the film goes on, a bigger plot is unveiled, involving the resurrection of the Devil's own son, here on Earth. There's a nice little acting debut from Gavin Rossdale as the snappy-dressing demon Balthazar, and a quite true-to-the-comics depiction of Papa Midnight by the great Djimon Hounsou.
For me, though the acting honours go to the superb Tilda Swinton as the Angel Gabriel. She is highly believable as a sex-less, age-less being such as an angel, and her softly-spoken, subtle acting style perfectly depicts Gabriel as the dangerous and devious character he/she is.
This is a good film on it's own merit, and i don't think it matters if you've read any of the comics, when it comes to this film. This isn't the definitive JC remember, and for that, i think you have to stick to the stories, after all he's a literary character, and maybe he needs to stay that way...
So, Hellblazer fans shouldn't watch this with too many expectations, but if you keep an open mind you might just find yourself enjoying a dark, twisted, interesting film of merit.
So, Keanu Reeves then?
You know, he isn't that bad as JC it has to be said. I mean, he isn't JC, but he does a fair job of nailing a few of the great man's traits, he's certainly moody and bitter. He maybe scowls and tries to look intense a bit too much, but i think this could have ended up a hell of a lot worse than it does. I did miss the biting humour/sarcasm of the real JC in Reeve's performance, which was actually pretty humourless, maybe lapsing into Neo-land a bit too frequently, a bit too much action hero and not enough anti-hero perhaps. But it could have been worse, in my opinion.
All in all, an interesting, dark film, which doesn't capture the comic book hero, but maybe just puts a different spin on him, to entice new readers into the Hellblazer realm, which can't be bad.

I went to see this in the cinema despite hearing bad reviews about it. I was blown away - it is amazing. If you like movies like the 'Matrix' you will enjoy this too. It is kind of 'The Excorcist meets the 'Matrix' feel. Very scarey in parts but also some really comedic moments. It is certainly up there in my best ever movies list and I would recommend you watch it!

Obviously since this is not yet released, I'm going on the cinema version, but one would hope that the DVD would be identical.

Simply superb would be the phrase that came to mind. A combination of dark humour and suspense, Constantine manages to be a comic-book adaptation that doesn't take itself too seriously and yet doesn't descend into mediocrity. Reeves brings his usual brooding acting style, matched by a good performance by Weiss, and a lovely cameo by Peter Stormare near the end polishes the film off. Unmissable.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Now we're talking
Now this is interesting. Surprised by the clarity of the message and the condensed material. I's like you can't take anything out! Read more

Published 2 months ago by Ariel Guerra

3.0 out of 5 stars Requires far too much thinking
3 out of 5 stars because for my Fiance found it very entertaining although somewhat unrealistic. For me however, having just come in from a long day at work when we watched this,... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Miss Robinson

1.0 out of 5 stars yeehah
Yeehah,
Looking for a review in the Blu Ray format
what do you get, 92 opinions in DVD,Blu Ray
reviews ZIPPO.
Why?.

Published 8 months ago by John Wright

1.0 out of 5 stars Constantine the not-so-great
Is this movie a joke? A psychic guy running around in LA, killing demons with a crucifix-shaped gun. At one point, he kills a whole bunch with the aid of holy water... Read more

Published 14 months ago by Ashtar Command

5.0 out of 5 stars Constantine (2005) (DVD)
Wonderful DVD Film, full of packed enjoyment throughout the entire film. You felt as if you were there with him participating in every move with both of them. Read more

Published 14 months ago by The Shark

5.0 out of 5 stars 4 1/2 stars
Excelent film, witty script and great acting with a sudden twist at the end.
The only possible drawback is the film is very hard to understand first time due to it's deep... Read more

Published 19 months ago by L. W. Swannell

4.0 out of 5 stars One hell of a movie!
Based on the DC Comic Hellblazer, 'Constantine' follows the exploits of John Constantine, a chain smoking world weary man who uses his powers as a mercenary exorcist in Los... Read more

Published 21 months ago by Ernie

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good
Really enjoyed this film,lots of violence and the special effects are fabulous,Recommend this film highly.

Published on 20 Dec 2009 by Douglas Tucker

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than...
The Matrix, which it seems to be compared with, although I can't think why? Keanu Reeves plays a much more rounded and satisfying character than the wooden Neo from the Matrix... Read more

Published on 14 Dec 2009 by Writer

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
A brilliant storyline.Superb acting.Amazing Special effects what more do you need.A sart sleek horror film and a must see.

Published on 28 Oct 2009 by Mrs. C. I. Ketley

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