hn Constantine is having a very bad life. He sees angels and demons everywhere he goes. He also just found out he is dying and he has to deal with the daily ramifications of a long-standing bet between The Devil and God concerning all of mankind
Based on the DC/Vertigo comic, “Constantine” tells the story of John Constantine (Keanu Reeves). Constantine is doomed to go to hell, a place it turns out he visits quite often. It’s during his quest to change this outcome and buy his way into heaven via good deeds that he encounters Detective Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz), who is trying to uncover the mystery behind the suicide of her twin sister Isabel (also Weisz).
Constantine is aided on his journey by many colorful characters including a young cab driver, a bowling alley dwelling weapons smith, the hard-drinking Father Hennessy (played by the always enjoyable Pruitt Taylor Vince) and a nightclub running voodoo priest named Midnight.
“Constantine,” while at times enjoyable, is steeped in Catholic dogma, so much in fact that I left the theater feeling like I had just sat through an uninspiring theology lesson.
Reeves does a decent job at bringing the main character to life, but I think audiences have grown tired of seeing him in this type of role and will start to question his range as an actor. Weisz’s attempt to portray the roles of the troubled twin sisters is unconvincing and at times felt like she just phoned in her performance.
One high point was the performance of Constantine’s sidekick, Chas (Shia LaBeouf). His acting ability is very apparent, and I look forward to seeing what this young actor can do when given a better film to perform in.
“Constantine” isn’t necessarily a bad movie, just one that tries to accomplish too much. It is further hindered by several plot holes that are big enough to drive a truck through.
The special effects are quite good, but good special effects do not make a good movie (I hope George Lucas is reading this). In the end, I cannot recommend this movie. “Constantine” gets a 6 out of 10.