Constantine (2005)

Originally Written
Monday , June 19, 2006

Ever since he was a young child John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) had the ability to see things that most human beings could not. Able to see those that live on the earth but are not of it, half-breeds they are called, angels and demons that live among the population disguised as humans, unnoticeable to the human eye but not hidden from Constantine. His parents thought he was insane, had him given shock therapy, but nothing could cease his ability and when John grew up he could stand his curse no longer, ending it by taking his own life. He was sent to Hell, only to be revived in the world of the living once again, given a second chance in life, walking the line between Heaven and Hell.

But instead of changing his life and living the way he should, he decides to try and go his own way by living exactly the same he always had, only this time taking it upon himself to use his talents. He takes a chance in believing that by sending back the demons who've escaped damnation he might have a way to salvation.

Constantine meets Angela (Rachel Weisz), whose twin sister had committed suicide, but Angela doesn't believe she did it, she thinks there were other powers at work, powers her sister could only see. At first Constantine doesn't care about Angela's problems, but it doesn't take long for him to realize how bad things are about to get. The Spear of Destiny has been discovered, and it's said that with the spear will rise the son of the Devil who will conquer the world. Constantine believes Angela will be the host for the son of the Devil, now it is he who will have to save Angela and the world, from destruction.

I began watching this film with somewhat high expectations, expecting an entertaining, and possibly even scary film, but only received a horrible story with terrible acting. Constantine starts out okay but only gets worse as the film progresses, making less and less sense and appearing to be made up as it goes. Keanu Reeves is the type of actor that only shines in a really well written story, put him in a crappy film and he blends into mess. Honesty it seems like he had read the script that day, or possibly the script was being written as the filming went along. His performance is equal to watching a lazy Neo from The Matrix. Rachel Weisz is out of place as well, and acts as if she was pulled off the street and handed the script. Ironically the best character is the one who doesn't get much screen time, Chaz, played by Even Stevens star Shia LaBeouf. He's the young sidekick to Keanu's character and the film's comic relief. If he did anything it was liven up the horrible and boring story and make me chuckle every once in a while.

In the end, Constantine just doens't work, it's not scary, the acting and story is horrible and even the special effects were sub par ripoffs of The Matrix which tried to spice up a script with so many holes in it that is all falls through. Constantine is a prime example that big budget stars alone don't make a film, if anything they only help to accentuate the major flaws.

3/10