How do you explain the fundas of heaven/hell and life to anyone? Difficult as it is, Francis Lawrence (Director) chooses to do that by way of a fast-paced, crisply edited, supernatural thriller.
Constantine is a character based on Alan Moore?s graphic novel ? HELLBLAZER. A 30 cigarette-a-day guy performing exorcisms and punching demons in their face. It?s not the love of the work that he scuffles demons et-all, he?s trying to buy his way back in to heaven. He?s been punished (sentenced to hell) for trying to kill himself at fifteen.
While performing an exorcism, Constantine realises that the demons are making a desperate attempt to get to earth. It?s Satan?s son ? meaning to break the pact between God and his father (Satan), not to allow angels and demons on earth.
While Constantine is figuring out the solution to this problem, a sub-plot kills the plot. A policewoman?s (Angela, Rachel Weisz) twin sister kills herself by jumping off a building. Angela?s convinced it isn?t suicide alone and Constantine decides to help.
All fair, only till now. Then things start getting confusing ? Angela?s taken over by the devil and Constantine along with his apprentice (Shia LaBeouf) manages to tame the devil. The apprentice dies. An angel Gabriel wants Constantine dead and finally Satan steps in for the climax. This slightly takes away from the central theme of the movie.
For me, Keanu Reeves makes an unlikely superhero (somehow he doesn?t come across as superhero material, not even in the Matrix) but his performances (yes, even in The Matrix) cover up for that. The only other impressive performance in the movie is by Shia LaBeouf, Constantine?s apprentice.
Director Francis Lawrence needs to be applauded for outstanding direction.
Two distinct scenes (a labourer getting back to life after being smashed by a car and Constantine blowing away demons on a non-lit road) demonstrate his finesse at his craft.
The CGI-SFX are first-rate, an absolute delight for SFX lovers. The seamless integration of graphics with the real world is pure eye candy. (Reminds you of Van Helsing) Thrillers should be fast paced and this one moves at menacing speed! For a movie that switches so often between two worlds, (earth and hell) the editing is exceptionally crisp.
So then where?s the problem? The only problem in the movie is its script. It?s a heroic attempt at explaining the spiritual side of life through a thriller. They just forgot to keep it simple.
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I intend to write crisp reviews. Suggestions welcome.