Constantine

Positive—Before I watched “Constantine,” I was a satanist. By the end of the movie, I was a repentant Christian giving my life over to Christ. The idea that Constantine knew he was going to hell reflected my own idea that I was going too. But then God spoke to my heart, offering salvation if I asked Christ into my life. I did just that and I haven’t looked back. As far as the theology behind the story goes, it’s close enough to present an important message of God’s intentions.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4½

Positive—I thought it was very good. Grant it, many mainstream Christians won’t understand that many of the offensive ideas are actually Biblical. Some, of course, are not. But it is a secular movie about a Christian topic (of a comic book no less) and needs to be judged as such. I’m glad a secular movie included the plan of salvation, and showed how the vile of us can be saved through repentance and self-sacrifice. Not air-tight, but a great conversation starter, huh evangelicals? Do you know how big that is? That is great!

I’m glad a character showed the struggle of so many people who do believe in God, but have never received salvation from Him because of their pride. I’m also glad the hero didn’t have to be a sniveling weakling who griped to God about his life, but he was a more Biblically accurate character of boldness, strength and power. Finally!

I didn’t mind the character of Gabriel, it is biblically accurate of angels and demons. I did not like that they used Gabriel, himself, as the character instead of some unknown angel. I also didn’t like that the idea of repentance was skipped in a conversion. But like I said, it is not a Christian movie and so it would not be fair to judge it as one. Overall, it was great for entertainment (for someone who enjoys movies that make you think and not just ones that blow things up)—and great that this topic is being talked about again. Go see it!
My Ratings: Better than Average/4

Positive—I enjoyed “Constantine” for what it was, a great action movie. The elements of occult were not used in a way that would offend anyone who would actually go and see the movie, but would most definitely offend the type of people who would not see this type of movie anyway. so if you enjoy violent action movies (even though it is not an overly violent movie, nor does it contain as much foul language as I was expecting), I would recommend this movie to you. I am a big comic book fan, and I think they did HELLBLAZER justice, english accent aside. I enjoyed Reeves’ performance; thumbs up. If you see it, stay till the end of the credits.
My Ratings: Average/4

Positive—I enjoyed “Constantine” for what it was, a great action movie. the elements of occult were not used in a way that would offend anyone who would actually go and see the movie, but would most definitely offend the type of people who would not see this type of movie anyway. so if you enjoy violent action movies (even though it is not an overly violent movie, nor does it contain as much foul language as I was expecting), I would recommend this movie to you. I am a big comic book fan, and I think they did HELLBLAZER justice, English accent aside. I enjoyed Reeves’ performance; thumbs up. if you see it, stay till the end of the credits.
My Ratings: Average/4

Positive—“Constantine” is definitely the best Hollywood film that deals with Heaven and Hell, God and Satan, and angels and demons. I was pleasantly surprised at the Christian themes and evangelical comments made in the film. However, this film is not spiritually perfect, but it is the best yet. Hollywood has taken its first small step towards Christian-themed movies. As a side note the writer said he wrote the script to show how we have to rely on God not ourselves and to get people to think about heaven and hell etc. This is the forerunner to a project set up by Hollywood (the producer of X-2 included) to put CHRISTIAN themes in movies from 2006 to 2012. Hollywood is making an good effort in this area, it will take some time, but they’ll get there. We as Christians should be praying for them and encouraging them.
My Ratings: Better than Average/4

Neutral—Hollywood loves demons and angels and loves to make Catholicism the backdrop for movies based on them. “Constantine” is secular religiosity traded in for the truth the Bible presents. As entertainment, “Constantine” does not fail. The special effects are top-notch, the scares are there and the plot (if one can get past the convolution of Christian teachings) is interesting. Althogh “Constantine” is tricky. It is not all wrong. There is the definite acknowledgement of spiritual warfare that exists amongst us in another plane. There are instances where faith is expressed as pertinent to salvation when Gabriel (interestingly played as an androgynous human) tells Constantine there is a difference between knowing and believing. What was also interesting was Constantine’s placement of Heaven and Hell.

Neither was in a separate universe but more a different plane. Most of the action takes place in Los Angeles. When Constantine visits Hell, it is Los Angeles burning and when he visits Heaven, the city looks more pleasing than ever. It showed that forces of both good and evil surround us as the Bible does say. Also, Hell is depicted as a place of eternal pain unlike some movies that make it seem like an eternal party.

Unfortunately, the movie takes several liberties from that point. God is no longer the loving Father we know Him to be, but instead a gambler where the chips are souls. He and Satan have made a wager for the soul of mankind and the angels and demons are used to sway mankind to their respective sides.

Christ’s love and redemption is left out and good works takes His place as the way to Heaven. Constantine must commit a selfless act before he can be let into Heaven, otherwise he lives his afterlife in Hell. Hell has its own Bible that extends off the one we as Christians put our faith in. There are other deviations that enter into categories of the occult, etc.

However, if one can put aside the convenient changes to Christian doctrine and enjoy the movie for what it is intended to be, as entertainment, Constantine certainly provides. Christians will be able to sort the good bits from the bad, but its also a shame the movie could not stick closer to Christian beliefs, the plot would still have been as interesting. Nevertheless, Constantine will result in good discussion.

Objectionable content: Aside from the liberties the filmakers took with Christian doctrine, Constantine has several instances of profanity (including one “f” word used by, who else, Gabriel). Violence takes charge and gruesome images of Hell and its demons will upset many.
My Ratings: Very Offensive/3½

Neutral—From a purely entertainment standpoint (meaning that you’re not really applying your grey matter to anything in particular), this is a decent flick. The cinematography and artistic quality is nothing unique but it’s still interesting. The acting could be dubbed “not bad” but it’s nothing that I felt as though I could jump into. This is an easy movie to just sit back and stare at while absently stuffing overpriced junk food in your maw… which I wouldn’t recommend because A) you’ll get fat and, B) you’ll get fat.

Now, from a theological perspective this movie is more than mildly blasphemous and more than mildly offensive. not to mention that it twists the truth of Scripture. Like most religious tinted stories from a secular perspective the reality of God is removed to the following things:

Neutral—Don’t go see this film if you want good theology. This movie probably does provide some visual realism to the spiritual world but who really knows how realistic the picture is. There are some interesting effects but overall you’re not missing anything by waiting ’til the DVD comes out!
My Ratings: Average/3½

Negative—Reeves appears to be sleep walking thru this one… Constantine apparently wants to be both good and bad, and Reeves is so listless at times that no one really cares one way or the other. Constantine triumphs, and yet there is the feeling of loss, dejection, and boredom. Apparently this was the director Francis Lawrence’s first film; he has previously directed music videos, and if this film is any indication, he should probably begin looking for a new line of work. The story-telling has to be among the worst I have ever had the misfortune of seeing; the plot development is horrendous, several scenes are tossed in for no apparent reason, other areas of the so-called plot beg to be developed and are left ignored.

It was almost sad to witness more than a few unintentional comic scenes resulting from bad dialogue. The laughter in the theater had an almost embarrassed quality to it, as though we all knew that what we were laughing at really wasn’t supposed to be funny, but somehow it just came out that way.

The “smashing special effects” were just that—lots of smashing glass shards flying in super slow motion. Although, I will give credit for a rather gruesome and riveting portrayal of hell, with endless souls upon souls, in eternal torment. This was supposed (I think) to be a new twist on the good vs. evil tale, but the lines are so blurred that one can’t really tell what is good and what is bad. The angel Gabriel crosses over to side with the son of Lucifer, a witch doctor provides a neutral night club for agents from both sides, Lucifer and God gamble for the souls of mankind, Lucifer is a healer and granter of life.

There is no doubt that there is a lot of theology in this movie; none of it has anything to do with Christian theology, but it is a telling look at how a post-Christian culture views theology—a liberal sampling and mixture of witchcraft, the occult, paganism, angelolgy, fantasy and neo-Christianity.

It’s sort of a shame this movie was so poorly made, even with the very disturbing premise upon which it was based, there could have been something interesting to talk about here. As it is, the extreme lackluster performance and story make this a film to avoid at all costs.
My Ratings: Very Offensive/1½

Negative—I was miserably confused. This movie was severely lacking in the creativity/dialogue department. It will probably win a “Razzie” this year. The only thing I somewhat enjoyed at all about “Constantine” was nKeanu Reeves’ performance. He is one actor I never thought I would say that about! I did find some of the content offensive. Especially the part where Keanu makes a 10-15 second obscene gesture at the devil as he (Keanu) is being drawn into Heaven. I mean, C’mon! The Theology was way off. To end on a cliché, I wanted my money back.
My Ratings: Very Offensive/1

Negative—I can’t see how, as a Christian, one could overlook how far this movie strays from God’s Word. The first scene that slapped my conscience was when Reeves met with someone supposedly representing the angel Gabriel, and the angel Gabriel said “You’re f***ed” to Reeves. Whoa. Then when my brother and I heard Reeves preach false doctrine to the woman… “Jesus didn’t die by crucifixion, he died from the spear of destiny…” That was enough for me. We left. I don’t know how it ended, and don’t care. I’ll stick to God’s Word, and avoid “the plagues described in this book”-REV 22:18
My Ratings: Extremely Offensive/1


[How did Jesus Christ die? Answer]

Negative—It is graphic and demonic. I had to leave early—it is not healthy, edifying, or healing for anybody. It also has really bad, really weak, theology. It substantially departs from the key points in the Bible. This movie presents God and Satan as equals in a dualistic worldview. It presents the earth as under contention with the Devil trying to take over it, but not having succeeded. The film presents that “if you repent then God will forgive”. It presents the Devil as being capable of reproduction, and demonic offspring as capable of insurrection. It presents human souls as the “ultimate possession” that defines the fate of heaven, hell, and the world. These are all false. The Bible says this: All angels that abandoned their assigned places are now locked in a dark pit awaiting the day of judgment when they will be thrown into the lake of fire. They are in darkness, not fire. They are chained, beaten and captured.

The Bible says that the devil offered all the nations of the world to Jesus in his temptation, that all the world is under the power of the evil one. The world has been owned by the darkness since the fall of humanity. Hell doesn’t need to take over, it is already taken over and except for the parts of truth faith within what comprises the actual church of God—it is still totally in control. The purpose, according to the Bible, of the darkness is to rob all the value of the earth, then kill. It isn’t about keeping it, it is about utterly destroying it. The darkness is restrained, even today. The devil was a murderer and a thief from the beginning. He is the father of lies. He is the world-hater and great enemy. The death in Genesis included system death of the earth and all that was in it, not just entry of capacity for dying into humans. See all »

Positive—Well, this movie is not exactly told from a Christian viewpoint. It is about an exorcist who is trying to earn his way into Heaven. The archangel Michael was portrayed as a woman and tries to bring the antichrist into the world. Overall, though, I thought the movie was good. I would definitely not recommend it to younger kids due to the language and violent images.
My Ratings: Better than Average/4

Positive—Constantine is about a hellbound exorcist battling with terminal lung cancer and the forces of Hell. I will try not to reveal any of the movies plot, because I feel this is a movie that is a must see for all. The cinematography is amazing. This director’s first attempt is a good one. The graphics are amazing, the action sequences are well done, and the acting is dead on. Some may say Keanu is a bit stale, but John Constantine is supposed to be a harda—dying of cancer. I doubt anyone would be too happy in that situation.

Now for the religious rating. Some might not find it offensive. Some may find it extremely offensive. I put offensive even though I found nothing actually offensive about it. The reason is that I don’t mind some fiction in my films, even if it tends to bend the Good Book around a bit. Not everyone is that flexible, so before you go see Constantine, just know this. Satan is there, Satan’s “son” is there, Gabriel is there, with a foul mouth, and exorcism is performed, demons are present, and there is even a scene where Mr. Reeves descends to Hell. These aren’t all the things that may offend, but they are the ones I remember at this writing. If these things don’t stray you away, then go see it!

Just remember, it has an R rating for a reason, and it is by no means a family film. However, if you are up for a good action flick starring Neo himself, then go see it! As soon as possible!
My Ratings: Offensive/5

Positive—I was surprised, to say the least, that Reeves would choose to do another semi-religious picture straight after the Matrix, as the two parts (Anti-Hero, World under the world, etc. etc.) are almost the same. I was interested in the film from the start, the promising TV spots and trailers supported that. Well, finally got to see it today, and I have a mixed signal. It’s disappointing, yes, but it also has a lot of high points. It’s flawed, but complete. Interesting, but incredibly boring.

Alright, the premise of the film is all over the place. God and Satan have had a wager for the souls of mankind, a real time bet. There are rules. Neither angles or demons can directly make a human do something, but they are allowed to push them in one direction by merely speaking to them subconsciously, but ultimately, not make them do anything by force. Reeve’s Character, John, has been seeing this battle since birth. He killed himself at a young age, was sent to Hell, but sent back, to be a medium between the two. He makes sure the demons who do to much on Earth stay in Hell. It’s a pretty odd job, even a blessing to see these things, but John does it all for selfish reasons. After twenty years of all of this, he has never trusted in God, nor gave any real thanks to him. He knows all of it is true, but doesn’t believe in it. He’ll do this work, but he won’t give his heart over to God. That’s his downfall. In Constantine’s world, taking one’s life sends us to Hell no matter what, Christian or not. So, since John’s already been to Hell for this sin, he’s going to go back there. In his mind, perhaps, if he sends enough demons to Hell, he’ll earn his way into God’s kingdom. To the film’s credit, it does show very clearly God’s way of salvation. The gospel is presented (By Faith, not by works) as great, and the only way. Perhaps that’s the only real quality of the film that seems to match up with the Bible. Don’t take me wrong. I never expected this film to be accurate, and honestly, it’s not trying to be. It’s a spiritual thriller at heart, but it’s covered in so much Holy Water and Jesus Bullets that it’s hard to take any of it seriously. These aspects don’t offend me of course, but from any perspective, it simply takes away from any emotional effect the film would have.

Well, the rules have been broken. Satan’s demons are coming to Earth to destroy all of mankind. Not fun. So, now John must save the world… Did you really expect much more? The first half of the film is very well done. It has great atmosphere, and never really seems to come away from it. John’s sarcastic and hateful, but likable. Even the spiritual aspects are presented in a good way, whether they’re accurate or not. The film does start to slide though, as it tries to create so many subplots, to the point where the audience just stops caring. Oh, she’s my twin… Oh, Satan’s son is coming back… Oh, John’s friend dies… I was not really interested in any of it. It seems like I’m simply listing the bad aspects of the film, but there are a lot of redeeming qualities. Like it or not, Reeves does a good job. Well, at least, the best he could. He’s not really much of an actor, he has the same emotion and expression in every movie he does. Yet, he’s right for the role. Sadly, Rachel Weisz brings all of her character down. Whatever was interesting about her on paper is now completely destroyed. Shia LaBeouf is the only really good aspect here, and a lot of me wishes he was in more of the film alongside John rather than Weisz. Oh well. Directing is rather well done, cinematography is a big highlight, as well as the special effects. Though it had it’s flaws, the movie kept me interested to the point where I was wondering what would happen in the next few minutes. Well, after seeing White Noise, anything could keep my interest.

The ending was great, yet, Satan’s appearance brought down a lot of it. Sure, you want to be ironic. Satan is really just a hick. That’s wonderful. Just, make it to a point where I can see the irony, not just a stupid plot tool. This was the film’s biggest weakness. Satan. He’s not scary. He’s not ironic. He’s not funny… He’s just… uninteresting. The film was good, though. I was entertained. Something I would pick up on DVD to give another go around. However, wait for DVD. Disappointed, but it’s still above average.
My Ratings: Better than Average/3½

…Reeves plays an effective Neo realist in this clever, funny, provocative sci-fi/horror extravaganza… one of those rare pulpy page-to-screen translations that actually gets it right…

…a lot better than Van Helsing and more professional than the Blade movies, if not quite as much fun as Hellboy…

…Reeves has a deliberately morose energy level in the movie…

…The movie incorporates plot points and characters from the comic, but they’re recombined and shuffled around…