Constantine (2005): A Critical Review of the Dark Thriller Starring Keanu Reeves
The 2005 film "Constantine," directed by Francis Lawrence, is a dark thriller based on DC Comics' "Hellblazer" series. The main character, John Constantine, is a cynical exorcist and demon hunter who battles supernatural forces. Played by Keanu Reeves, Constantine is a chain-smoking antihero with terminal lung cancer, damned to Hell for a past suicide attempt. The movie also features Tilda Swinton as the archangel Gabriel and Peter Stormare as Lucifer, eager to claim Constantine's soul. Shia LeBoeuf and Rachel Weisz round out the cast as Constantine's sidekick and a police detective, respectively.
Upon its release, "Constantine" received mixed reviews, with some critics, like Roger Ebert, expressing indifference or dislike towards the film. Ebert's review of the movie was notably unenthusiastic, with him even digressing to discuss penguins at one point. He found fault with the film's portrayal of Hell and questioned the premise of a lone exorcist affecting a global battle between Heaven and Hell. Ebert also critiqued the film's theological aspects, particularly the portrayal of an alcoholic priest named Father Hennesy.
Ebert's lukewarm response to "Constantine" reflects the challenge of reviewing a movie that fails to evoke strong emotions. While bad films may be easier to critique due to their glaring flaws, unremarkable movies like "Constantine" can be harder to write about. Ebert's lack of engagement with the film is evident in his review, as he struggled to find meaningful commentary on the movie's themes and execution.