Hellblazer has had a poor track record in terms of adaptations, but Constantine starring Keanu Reeves may be getting a second chance at life.
We’re pretty big fans of Constantine around here, whether it’s the comic series, the movie, or the television show (RIP). The movie is not a great adaptation of the Hellblazer comics, but it is a pretty good movie all on its own.
If you’re pulling a face right now, I don’t blame you. The film doesn’t have the best reputation, but it’s always been a favorite of mine. When I finally watched the Constantine series starring Matt Ryan, I realized that the movie didn’t do the character justice. But that doesn’t mean it’s not an awesome supernatural drama, regardless.
For one, it has a pretty incredible cast. Keanu Reeves leads the film as John Constantine, and like I said, it’s not a great interpretation of the character, but it is Keanu at his peak (about six years after the first Matrix). He’s joined by Rachel Weisz as Angela (and Isabel), who plays a level-headed cop thrown into the world of angels and demons (this is also coming six years after her big role in The Mummy).
Shia LeBeouf plays Chas Kramer, and though he’s a bit polarizing now, this is when he was still young and innocent. You can feel him working up to his role in Transformers, and as a fan, it’s always a pleasant surprise to remember he’s in this movie. The same goes for Tilda Swinton, who plays Gabriel to absolute perfection. Look no further than that suit and tie she wears when we fist meet her.
Djimon Hounsou plays Papa Midnite, and though he was criminally underused, the character felt larger than life, which is exactly as he should be. I also have a particular soft spot for Peter Stormare as Lucifer, if only because he obviously had fun making Satan a little bit ridiculous — but still downright terrifying.
Constantine wasn’t a worldwide success by any means, but it’s got something for everyone. It’s a tad scary, a bit funny, and definitely suspenseful. The plot is simple and straightforward, but I find that to be an advantage rather than a detriment.
So when you’re next flipping through Netflix, don’t skip out on Constantine. It may have premiered 12 years ago, but it’s aged fairly well. And it might just be better than you remember.
Don’t trust me? I’m not the only one who thinks so. Since Netflix picked up the rights for the film and added it to their roster beginning in August, Twitter has come to the movie’s defense:
PSA: you can & should watch CONSTANTINE on Netflix (U.S.) now pic.twitter.com/tuPl946RGx
— priscilla page (@BBW_BFF) August 1, 2018
— priscilla page (@BBW_BFF) August 1, 2018
CONSTANTINE is hitting Netflix August 1, and it's worth reminding you that movie is good despite what people say. pic.twitter.com/zhLGCfZra7
— Chris Evangelista (@cevangelista413) July 25, 2018
🎬Constantine (2005) is an underrated gem—and it’s now on Netflix !
"The 2005 Keanu Reeves movie Constantine just arrived on Netflix, and here’s the deal: it rules…."#KeanuReeves#Constantinehttps://t.co/nPqXraxdzW pic.twitter.com/Ejsyq9MuN1
— Keanu Planet (@keanu__planet) August 1, 2018
Ranking The Top Arrivals Coming To Netflix In August. Based on the comic Hellblazer, Keanu Reeves stars as John Constantine, a man who can communicate with angels and demons He gets caught up in a murder mystery but uncovers a much bigger, more lethal plot https://t.co/m4x2iMiCsJ pic.twitter.com/K0gTDMH7Kn
— Kat (@Keanuital) August 1, 2018
It's time to rediscover how great Keanu Reeves was in "Constantine." 7 great movies to watch this month on Netflix: https://t.co/JcwDrobsEb pic.twitter.com/edeVm91Xqx
— IndieWire (@IndieWire) August 2, 2018
I can watch Constantine on Netflix all day
— Mr. Tyler (@Mr_Krang) August 3, 2018
WAIT CONSTANTINE IS COMING TO NETFLIX?????! https://t.co/9e2Y51xXKK
— a (@heymyyjojo) August 2, 2018
constantine (2005) is on netflix so that means all of u go watch it n report back to me on why its the best film ever made Thamks N Goodbye
— rabies bunny 🐰 (@bludfetish) August 2, 2018
Happy "Constantine Is Now Streaming on Netflix" Day, everyone pic.twitter.com/d9OrQWFaWP
— Chris Evangelista (@cevangelista413) August 1, 2018
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