Constantine
We can’t argue with one big criticism of Constantine: as an adaptation of DC’s Hellblazer comics, it is a travesty. Keanu Reeves is nothing like the punkish, British John Constantine from the comics in his perfomance, something the film doesn’t help by taking some major liberties with the character.
However, if you’re able to disassociate the movie from its source material, or if you’re not particularly familiar with the original comics at all, Constantine is actually a pretty entertaining ride. Its theological themes mark it out as much smarter than other supernatural actioners around at the time, like the Underworld movies, and there’s some genuine imagination on show.
Reeves aside, the casting is spot on in the case of Tilda Swinton as the angel Gabriel, which wouldn’t be the last time her androgynous looks got her a mystical part in a superhero movie (hello Doctor Strange). Now that we have a more faithful Constantine in the form of Matt Ryan, why not put your grievances aside and rewatch this film on its own terms?
Published: Feb 3, 2018 10:13 am