Constantine 4K
review by Bobby Blakey
Before the DC character Constantine came to the small screen with his short-lived TV series and regular appearances on Legends of Tomorrow, he hit the big screen in the 2005 Constantine starring Keanu Reeves, Tilda Swinton, Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Djimon Hounsou, Gavin Rossdale, Peter Stormare, and Pruit Taylor Vince from I Am Legend and Hunger Games franchise director Francis Lawrence. Now the cult favorite is finally getting the 4K treatment from Warner Bros.
Constantine follows the story of John Constantine, a man who has literally been to hell and back. When he teams up with skeptical policewoman Angela Dodson to solve the mysterious suicide of her twin sister, their investigation takes them through the world of demons and angels that exists just beneath the landscape of contemporary Los Angeles. Caught in a catastrophic series of otherworldly events, the two become inextricably involved and seek to find their own peace at whatever cost.
When this film came out, I knew little to nothing about Constantine as I didn’t read any of the Hellblazer stuff, but I knew he was supposed to be blond, brown coated and British. As a fan of Reeves, I was fine with him in the part, but the jarring differences gave me pause like most others. Despite that knowledge, my lack of connection with the character allowed me to enjoy the film for what it was and had a decent enough time. Over the years, I have revisited it a few times and still enjoy what they put together.
I admit that I have not watched it in quite a long time and since we all know that Reeves has become quite the action icon. I remember all the hate this film got back in the day by the fans, but it seems talk of finally doing a sequel seems to have turned some of them around and excitement
to see Reeves back in the role. Getting to revisit the film in this new release and more knowledge of the character now gave me a whole new perspective and I have to say I still think it works.
Sure, the visual look of the character and lack of accent still lingers in making not quite the version we might want but taking it as more of an Elseworlds look works just fine for me. It’s quick paced bringing in plenty of action and demons to keep things moving and the addition of the characters like Papa Midnight helps to ground it in the comics lore. The cast are all having a good time and make the film work on the bigger picture. Some of the CGI is dated, but I still like the direction and ideas they went with in its design.
I am glad this film is getting this new release and hopefully fans will see it with new eyes and others get to discover it for the first time. I am one that hopes for the sequel to finally come to life, but if not, we still have this fun hell bound flick that takes us back to a time before big comic franchises and the excitement of getting to see these characters finally come to life.
In addition to the film, this release offers up new and classic bonus content including commentaries and featurettes. Revisit the occult hero when Constantine comes to 4K for the first time on February 18th from Warner Bros Home Entertainment.