Constantine (2005):  Constantine is sort of a superhero.  This is really more of a horror film.  John Constantine is the anti-hero of the "Hellblazer" series from Vertigo, an imprint of DC Comics.

    I enjoy this film.  I love the performances, action, and special effects.  The writing isn't always coherent but hey, it's just a big party.  John Constantine is a professional exorcist who sends demons back to hell.  Now he's literally in for the fight of his life and the whole world is at stake.  In the climactic battle, Constantine's greatest help comes from a most unexpected source.

    This film is Rated R, but it could have been PG-13.  The language isn't too bad.  The violence isn't overdone.  The wrist-cutting scene near the end is nasty, but it's more implied than shown, and that's the nastiest it gets.  That and the fact the subject matter is scary as hell is probably why it landed an R-rating.  "Constantine" is an action movie with intense horror imagery.  It won't warp young kids or other impressionable people, but it's definitely not for everybody.

Cast:
Keanu Reeves as John Constantine
Rachel Weisz as Angela Dodson/Isabel Dodson
Shia LaBeouf as Chas Kramer
Pruitt Taylor Vince as Father Hennessy
Max Baker as Beeman
Gavin Rossdale as Balthazar
Djimon Hounsou as Midnite
Tilda Swinton as Gabriel
Peter Stormare as Satan
Director- Francis Lawrence

Alternate Titles:

• Hellblazer (U.S., working title)
• John Constantine: Hellblazer (U.S., working title)

Fun Facts:

• In the comic books, Constantine is from Liverpool, England, and drawn to look like singer Sting.  It was widely thought the change in Constantine's nationality was made specifically for Keanu Reeves.  In fact, the original script had Constantine as being English.  No producer was eager to grab onto the script.  When Constantine was changed to being American, the script quickly gained attention.
• Nicolas Cage was originally attached to star as Constantine.
• The original title, "Hellblazer", was changed because it was too similar to "Hellboy" (2004).  Both movies are comic book adaptations where the heroes fight forces from Hell.
• This film was also retitled to avoid confusion with the "Hellraiser" series of films.
  
• The Spear of Destiny prop is the same one that's used in "Hellboy" (2004).
• Although the Spear of Destiny was in many DC Comics titles ("The Spectre", etc.), it was never really used in the "Hellblazer" comics.
• This film was made on a budget of $100 million.  It grossed over $230 million just in theaters!

If You Like This Movie, Then Watch...

• End of Days (1999)