| John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) possesses a special gift he doesn’t want – the ability to see demons and angels lurking around and taking human forms. After a failed suicide attempt, the seal of hell awaits him, so he tries hard to work his way back to salvation by eradicating all demons who will try to cross over the land of the living. With the latest encounter with the demon possessing a young girl, he feels that something strange is happening – the demons are getting more aggressive than ever. He confirms this hunch when he agrees to help detective Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) in investigating the mysterious “suicide” of her twin sister Isabelle. Through the help of a friend, they discover a prophecy of the incarnation of the “son of the demon” by possessing a human psychic, which turns out to be Angela.
Constantine is rated average in its technical aspect, except for the use of digital technology which makes this film stand out just a little bit over others. The entire plot is confusing as the real antagonist is revealed only at the very end. It seems that writers had to painstakingly clarify this confusion by injecting the rationale in the dialogue, and it is known that once the cognitive is emphasized rather than understanding through feelings, the entire film risks losing its impact and affectivity. Also, Reeve’s acting and getup are reminiscent of his Matrix performance, thus, he adds nothing more spectacular in this film. Sound effect and music contribute significantly to creating horror and suspense; make-up is also effective.
This film may be recommended to compulsive drinkers, smokers, and gamblers so that by watching it, they may be compelled to stop these unhealthy vices. But the audience in general has to be forewarned about the other serious theological issues presented in this film, like the realities of evil, the role of angels and demons, and the ethics of suicide. It is to be strongly emphasized that even though the film revere Christian realities such as prayer, Holy water, the bible, exorcism, and the Holy Trinity, Constantine is pure fiction that has nothing to do with Christian teachings. It doesn’t in any way reflect the true realities of Heaven and hell, angels and devils, salvation and condemnation. A really serious issue that is absent in the film is presence of God, his entire plan of salvation, and His decisive triumph over evil. Also, the presence of a “son of devil” and Lucifer’s decision over Constantine’s life can only be a product of a fictional mind, nothing more, nothing less.
(Date
Reviewed: February 18, 2005)
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