Keanu is a Damned Good Constantine

Constantine was a movie that Keanu Reeves needed to make. With his sardonic, sullen, but ultimately likable portrayal of the title character, he’s done an excellent job of helping us forget his past “performance” in the Matrix series.

John Constantine is a man — just a man — who’s spending what’s left of his life fighting the demons that others can’t — or won’t acknowledge. This is a character that I have no problem identifying with, and most likely, neither will you.

The movie tells a personal story, and while the fate of the world hangs in the balance, the fates of Constantine and the police officer that seeks him out (Rachel Wiesz) seem far more consequential. This is most likely due to the standout special effects that comprise John’s gut-wrenching, nightmarish visions of Hell. They’re very Gothic, and very convincing. During these sequences, you’ll swear someone turned up the heat.

Constantine might just make a believer out of you. After watching the film, you’ll come to understand that’s not necessarily a good thing.

Posted on Monday, February 21st, 2005 by Jeff in Movies.