Twitch

As a longtime comic book fan, but never one for the Vertigo line of titles, I can’t claim any kind of real familiarity with the source material, or rate it as a direct adaptation. I do know that most “Hellblazer” fans I’ve come across recently are already upset with the film’s liberties, including Reeves’ non-blond hair, and the shift in setting from London to L.A. Despite its overtly religious themes, (something, perhaps ironically, often presented more metaphorically in the “less brainy” mainstream comic book adaptations,) the constant running around, introductions of new characters, new twists and concepts, and good old fashion butt kickin’ action allow this film to fit comfortably (if a little differently) into the classification of “comic book movie”. (And make no mistake, this was based on a comic book, as opposed to the hoity toity term “graphic novel”, which is thrown around more and more liberally all the time. They are two different things.)

It is the presence of Keanu Reeves in the title role that will initially make or break this above average film at the box office. Judging by the crowd’s pre-show behavior at the screening I attended, the “Keanu Reeves sucks” factor is not something he’s managed to shake off, despite the massive success of the “Matrix” films. No, Mr. Reeves does not set the world on fire with his acting here, but he gets the job done in his own unique style. Considering the nature of the character of John Constantine (a compellingly flawed man, fitting for the actor’s broody style) it’s not surprising that the actor supposedly turned down the role of Superman in order to do this. But those expecting (or dreading) another “Matrix” will need to reconsider this effort. Reeves’ chain smoking grump Constantine is light years more compelling than the blank slate that was Neo. To get an idea, imagine if the kid from The Sixth Sense grew up to be even more depressed, moved to L.A., and with his unique knowledge of the spiritual realities of the world, did the only thing he was qualified to do – fight back.

Like all jobs, Constantine has managed to grow bored and resentful with his life and occupation. His reaction to the news that his mistreatment of his body (too much smoking) has put a quickly ticking clock on his life is met with little more than a shrug. After all, he’s been dead before. Things change quickly, though, as the recent rediscovery of the mythical and powerful Spear of Destiny coincides with the suicide of a police officer’s twin sister (both played by Rachel Weisz). Constantine begins to notice a spike in activity among the demons he battles. Longstanding rules regarding entrance to the physical realm are not being honored – something is definitely afoot in the city of angels. So, there’s no better time to check in with mentor Gabriel, a wise and vaguely androgynous angel (Tilda Swinton) and other uneasy allies, including the mysterious Midnite (Djimon Hounsou), and religious gadget man who operates out of the most cramped and cluttered “Q” lair I’ve ever seen. Something big is brewing, and Constantine will have to get his feet wet whether he wants to or not.

Although the plot may sound a tad cliché, the ideas and action of “Constantine” absolutely transcend their familiarity. This film has more than a little in common with last year’s spectacular, under-rated “Hellboy”- part of the reason, I suspect, the title is not “Hellblazer”. Both films feature surly leading men of action who live to do battle with the forces of Hell, but the overall tones are miles apart. “Constantine’s”first-time director Francis Lawrence replaces “Hellboy’s” zeal for it’s visionary source material with a gloomy and depressive real-world quality, and although a few liberties have been taken with the source material, it works equally well. There is little in the way of subtlety to this spiritual fighter (his gun is shaped like a big cross), but the special effects are pretty good, and the ideas put forth guarantee this film a future cult following, at the very least.

- Jim Tudor