Wednesday 27 July 2011

Constantine (2005) Dir: Francis Lawrence


Based on a DC Comic, Constantine is a mash-up of theological shenanigans and CGI meltdowns.

The plot:
Perma-bland Reanu Keeves plays John Constantine, a detective who investigates all things supernatural. See, he isn't like you or me, for he can 'see' things demonic and supernatural.
We join Constantine as he is attempting to exorcise a young girl. to rid her of a demon which, he is surprised to discover, is a soldier demon attempting to break through into our world, something he previously believed impossible.
Shortly afterwards, Constantine is attacked on the street by another demon, and soon begins to realise that the demonic forces are gathering strength and, as his investigations continue, he discovers that Satan's son himself is keen to wreak havoc upon mankind.
So far, so apocalyptic.

The director does a decent job visually, and it is clear that the source material is comic book based, merely from the visual style.
The CGI work is excellent, with Hell brought to the screen in fairly conventional, Dante's Inferno-lite manner, with some clever creature designs.
Heck, even Reanu is passably OK, as all he is required to do is wander around the screen in a maudlin manner, something even he is capable of.
Losing some impetus towards the end, as CGI-overload kicks in, this is almost a really good film.
It won't change your world, you'll never want to watch it again, but for the duration it is passably entertaining.
But no more.

3 out of 5

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