n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

Supernatural detective John Constantine helps a policewoman prove her sister's death was not a suicide, but something more. Constantine is a film that despite some flaws like no clear villain, some late 2000's special effects and some odd castings like Tilda Swinton as Gabriel, Constantine delivers the good side of the famous DC anti-hero with a dazzling perfomance from Keanu Reeves in the title character, Rachel Weisz as a detective who investigates her twin sister's suicide and even Shia LaBeouf does a good and decent job. Francis Lawrence direction is well done and some scene's like the one with the mirror and the one in hell were pretty freaking amazing. Overall this is a film with it's flaws no doubt about that but it's a good and underrated DC Film even tho the Series was a bit much better. (8/10)

Context.You need context.This review penned in 2017, some 12 years after the release.In this period, Marvel and DC are at each other's throats, each trying to monetize every character, sub-character, plot device and dust bunny from their respective libraries. Regardless of merit. It is all about the dollars.A story as pure as this one -- penned by Kevin Brodbin -- could never be done today because it lacks the setup for a dozen spinoffs and sequels, as well as the mandatory backstory and product placements.Sporting two of the most charismatic and photogenic stars of all time, at the peak of their careers, we have a story with no bad lines, no lapses in the arcs, and no time wasted. Just pure, engrossing, film pleasure from beginning to end.Yes, I know that it was not appreciated in its day. But the future is always the final judge.

...starring Keanu Reeves. The latter, the only aspect prompting me to go through this. Looking at the overall reception, it could've been at least decent. Instead, when the earlier stages, very dodgy in parts but still, seem to be putting some slabs together, you very quickly find out the dodgy was all there is and the film isn't going anywhere, and it's more cheesy lines about the rules of the film, unlikely weirdo characters popping up and doing their thing.This could be cut short by saying it actually had potential in its narrative and concept to be genuinely interesting, but instead went exactly the other way from that. Embarrassing feature for Reeves, the film-makers probably thought they'd ride the Matrix wave and setup something somewhat similar for/with him and, who knows, get a little lucky maybe ?...with this ?

Constantine is a rather unique comic book movie that is unusual in its style and its structural narrative. The movie follows the story of John Constantine, who has the ability to see demons and angels. He is also a demon exorcist. However, despite saving lives, he is no saint. He despises his job and uses it only for his own personal gain, that is to buy his way into heaven. He is a bitter character who, at first, is unlikable and uncomfortable to be with, but you still are intrigued by his journey. By the end, the character grows on you morally due to his selfless act when he sacrifices himself to save Isabelle by sending her to heaven. The film might be at first a simple good versus evil story. But as the film progresses, much more is brought out, but done with subtlety. Now before i go into my review, i want to address that this movie is not 100% loyal to the comic. But it still honors the source material in its own unique, creative way. Just like Jim Carrey's the mask is different from the source material, this movie does the same as well, and i am glad we got this version. Now the movie is indeed flawed, as its directing style is over the top and some of the performances are very cheesy, but through clever writing and careful direction, the film turns out in a very interesting path for the viewer to observe. I also love how this movie identifies very clearly the difference between knowing God and believing in one, which is an important element in the story for Constantine to grow as a character. Constantine is the big gun of the movie. The rest of the characters, some are interesting(such as Gabriel, changing from your typical beloved peaceful angel to the angel who would do anything to "save" humans, even if it means releasing the son of the devil himself, which questions if pure good can always stay that way. The movie elevates the themes of good versus evil to a new unique direction, which gives this film its strength and interest. Its a superhero movie disguised as a biblical epic, which helps elevate the themes of good versus evil and the themes of faith to a higher ground. Now like i said the film is not perfect and it does have its flaws, like some of its direction can be over the top, some of the performances are cheesy and some of the effects are outdated. But the story and the character arc of John Constantine makes this a very unique comic book movie that i wish it gets more appreciation. 7.5/10 from me