He reached in and pulled all the lung cancer, tar and gross shit that was in his lungs out :) The scene with him elbows deep in Keanu's chest is amazing :)
@@ollihro82 right because he wants to make sure he doesn't even come close to line of "taking his own life" by smoking, considering he wad redeemed in the eyes of God at the end and would currently go to heaven if he died
I think the reason it is underrated and people are iffy about it; is because it is not comic book accurate. It is an excellent movie but he is not "Constantine"
I hope Tilda has a role in the second movie. A begrudging team up would be tight, but I really want to see what happens when an angel falls in this universe. Does she end up working at Waffle House? Who knows...
I always got the impression that Chaz was fully human (and not a half-breed), and he "earned" his wings due to his faithful help (and sacrifice) in stopping Gabriel and Mamon.
@@Persephone_Personified i do believe we cant really go off the source material here, given the source material he was named Chas Chandler and not Chas Kramer and much older than he is in the movie. So going off this movie alone, to me he doesn't seem to be Constantine's guardian angel until after he dies (literally did nothing against Gabriel when if they're both angels, they should have relatively the same strength maybe). Then why does he appear with wings only after the conflict? What reasoning would he have to pretend to be a dead human while all that is going down?
@@MikeB12800 He`s Swedish albeit Americanized like Alexander Skarsgard IRL.He is very good at the Russian and German accents however which isn`t surprising considering how close Sweden is to Finland and Russia and German and Swedish being linguistically connected since the Viking era.
Fun fact: Constantine was created by Alan Moore, the same guy that wrote Watchmen and V for Vendetta. He first appeared in the Swamp Thing comics after Alan Moore started writing them. It's a SUPER underrated comic series. He re invented the character and turned it into something on a completely different level.
I'd say he reinvented the idea of how to write for comics with that even before _Watchmen._ He even wrote _Watchmen_ while writing _Swamp Thing._ That's like writing _Gravity's Rainbow_ while simultaneously writing the Foundation series. Astounding.
@@DrBeardfacePA It's a great run! You should check out the new 52 stories as well especially Animal Man. The way they tied him in was awesome! He's the avatar for the Red, the animal world, and teams up with Swampy to fight the Rot.
@@Theomite Yeah you're probably right. I don't know much about other comics from the early 80s but Moore was always ahead of his time when it comes to mature and philosophical themes in comics. That one story where Swampy carries the skeleton of Alec Holland in a dream as a metaphor for his lost humanity... Gad damn man I don't think I'll ever forget that.
The one good thing to come out of the WB shakeup, so far anyway, is that a sequel bringing back Keanu is now in the works which I never would've expected but this film has aged like a fine wine and I can't wait to see more.
To be fair, I expected it. I watched an interview with Keanu and the interviewer asked "If asked, what role would you love to do a sequel for?" and Keanu legit said "It's not going to happen, but I would love to play John Constantine again." so there you have it. It was actually in an interview about the new Matrix movie I believe. Keanu Reeves asks? Keanu Reeves gets. Keanu Reeves deserves.
What I’d love to see is a do over for Dick Tracy. I actually LOVE 1990s Dick Tracy. The cast was out of this world. Even Madonna did a good job in this one. The costumes and makeup were perfection in my opinion. But they kinda blew it with some of the sets and props. Made it look like a high school production. But I still love it.
@@thealphastrain101 as soon as he said it, I was like oh yeah, it’s happening. Movie has a cult following and more people discover and love it all the time, they’d be ignorant to say, naw, we’re not interested in working with you Keanu and that character again.
@@jeanine6328 Agreed. I have loved the film since the first time I saw it and never understood why others didn't. But, Keanu is one of the nicest people in the business, which is why I said he deserves this. You put out good karma you'll get it back in return.
Just a small clarification: Chas Kramer *was* a human throughout the main film, just one that was very studious of the same arts as Constantine and so he was able to join in the exorcism of Mammon before Gabriel got to him. He became an angel after his death, potentially taking Gabriel's place.
@@CaptainCushty: You need to learn to read. Of course I'm aware of that scene, and have been since I saw the movie over a decade ago for the first time. What I'm explaining is that some speculate he was an angel all along, and that he didn't come back as one, it was just his true form.
@@hoon_sol Then why would he let himself get smashed up into the ceiling and floor a bunch? Or take the time to become a cabbie, rehearse a Dirty Harry line or not use some kind of power to get into Midnite's place? It just seems very bizarre for an angel to do all of that for seemingly no reason
@@CaptainCushty: That's a valid question, and the only reasonable answer to that would be as an act for Constantine; this is essentially ultimately what God and Satan are doing after all, putting people in various situations and seeing how they end up handling them, with Constantine being a particularly interesting case (as Satan says, due to how Constantine has been fighting for good so hard, he'd personally come to collect him). Time isn't an issue for angels, obviously, and neither is any of the other things you mention; angels are literally below God in the hierarchy, they have incredible powers. If the entire purpose is to observe and to some extent watch over Constantine, it would make no sense to actually display those powers openly to him, then he'd know immediately.
Yeah I'm pretty eager to see what kind of route they are going to take Constantine was hands down a product of its time so I'm excited to see what they are going to do!
This kind of reaction just proves how Constantine has standed the test of time, by its own virtue of being good, regardless of the source material. Took some time but finally it gets the recognition it deserves.
When this first came out I didn't care about "comic accurate casting" because I loved this film so much. And the movie still had the spirit of Constantine: wits, knowledge, manipulation, who he knows, etc. Tilda Swinton is captivating and Peter Stormare is one of my favorite Lucifer depictions ever.
I remember back in the day when some people hated on the movie because Reeves does not look like the Constantine in the comics. In this case Reeves just perfectly embodies the role, so he does not need to exactly look like the original. I really love this movie. Still have my DVD. :D
This is so badass. Idc how anyone rates it. It got robbed in the reviews imo. The performances were all top notch. That alone deserved better than it got.
Hey man, just wanted to comment in case anyone was still wondering: the spear of destiny is the spear a Roman soldier named Longinus used to pierce the side of Jesus. They did this to make sure he was dead before taking him off the cross for entombment. Loved this film and all your reactions. Keep up the great work!
i watched this film for the first time as a 14 year old girl and even though it freaked the hell (no pun intended) out of me, it was my gateway to my love for film and storytelling. this film just doesn't get old, as you said it just OOZES coolness.
I really hope they manage to keep the same atmosphere for the sequel. I just love how every location in the movie feels empty and lifeless, at same time it gives this feel that something could jump at you anytime.
One of the most fun, badass, beautifully shot, underrated movies of all time. It’s really a good movie! I defend it all the time, so excited they just announced a sequel finally!
Tilda Swinton looked SO COOL and played Gabriel really well. I miss the times when you could cast actors for non-human characters and people didn't immediately cry about it online. (Looking at Lucifer in Sandman)
Sandman tried to emulate this, but failed spectacularly. Tilda was a great option because she’s genuinely androgynous, she has a unique face and ethereal voice, so if they sell her as a mix of man and woman, you buy it. Christie is VERY obviously a woman. A big one, but a woman nonetheless, so hearing people referring to Lucifer as a male was really distracting. Plus, it seemed like she was trying way too hard to be menacing and it didn’t work. She’s a decent actress, but nowhere near Swinton.
@@HotDogTimeMachine385 Wouldn’t say it’s a matter of respect, more of a matter of common sense. It’s extremely obvious they were going by quotas through the entire show left, right and center though.
@@alexman378 It's interesting how people can accept angels changing shape, looking like any human or even biblical monsters, but a woman playing is too far. Especially when angels are described as feminine with long hair and soft features.
YESSSS, TOTALLY underrated. I love this movie, it's so good; the special effects, acting, cast, production, the overall tonal quality is gorgeous. Like you said, every single scene is a stylized comic book panel. I'm so glad more people are seeing this, it definitely deserves more attention because it really is an amazing piece of art.
i saw an interview with Keanu where he was asked what role he'd like to 'revisit' and he said Constantine. he's wanted to do a sequel to it for *years* apparently. i just hope they don't screw it up. i love this movie, and think it's one of Keanu's best performances. 🥰
fun fact, originally Michelle Monaghan had a large role in this before she was cut out for thematic reasons in post production, they had to edit around her in some scenes, she apparently gave a fantastic performance, but just created a different vibe then they wanted for the movie. The only shot remaining of her, is her saying "holy water" which was her least favorite scene she filmed.
Ya and the sad thing is her character Ellie was one of the few characters from The Comics in The Film aside from John himself,Gabriel,Lucifer,Chas,Papa Midnite and John`s parents Thomas and Mary Ann Quinn Constantine(Who are both never named nor even shown within frame in the film.)
While not a great like-for-like adaptation of the source material, I do really like this film and think it is plenty good enough to stand on its own. It is best appreciated as an homage to the 'Hellblazer' John Constantine, as the Keanu Reeves version of John Constantine is clearly a different character, although one very much cut from the same cloth as the DC comics version.
This is the main reason most Constantine fans did not appreciate the movie. With the changes to John, combined with Archangel Gabriel as the villain and Lucifer as the good guy (ish) mainstream audiences also passed on it. Look at the reaction to The Book of Eli (a fantastic film) put the bible in something and people will feel some type of way about it
I feel like he does capture John though, albeit in a slightly more angry way (which is understandable since he’s dying and knows where he’s going). I think he realized how wrong he was, physically speaking, so he doubled down on his characterisation. I mostly think of the film as an Elseworlds type, not exactly the canon one, but a good film never the less.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! The cast. The visuals. Constantine is soooo cool! On Stephen Colbert, Keanu said how he really wanted to revisit Constantine, but he had been turned down several times. Whatever studio exec recently approved that sequel needs a raise!
I'm almost positive this was the moment it got traction. It sticks in my head cause no one expected him to really mention that character. So happy about this!
Whoever rejected it doesn’t deserve to work in Hollywood. No, they deserve Hollywood….. but they sure as heck don’t deserve to even say his name again.
I always assumed Shias character got turned into an angel after he died, not that he was one from the beginning. Constantine has aged incredibly well, I feel. For a theoretically CGI heavy movie, it still holds up, and the use of comic-book like framing, and just going all-in on the concept helps it stay fresh. It signifies a lot of what so many movies are afraid to do today. At the time, btw, there were quite a lot of movies fictionalising heaven and hell (without getting preachy).
Bro I love this damn movie. It is severely underrated. It’s a wild ride that’s for sure. Peter Stormare is fucking chefs kiss. Those were his lungs that got ripped out at the end. That shot of him breathing in the water at the end, was him taking normal breaths for the first time all movie.
@@MichaelBrown101 I always thought it was the tar and cancer he ripped from his lungs, that's why he chews a nicotine gum instead of smoking at the end.
I saw this in the theatre. I was utterly shocked it didn't perform well and become a franchise. I'm glad it's finally getting some respect all these years later.
Awesome! Was hoping you would see this one ever since you kicked off your channel. This one is a great use of supernatural noir. Never read the comics but I love Keanu's demeanor and overall tone throughout. It's the world weary gumshoe detective but operating in a world of literal demons and angels. Love the style. Love the tone. Love Stromare as Satan. Soooooo underrated.
You asked about this movie's reception. I can only say that I greatly enjoyed it in the theater, and your share of your experience feels like introducing a friend to something I like.
Really glad you gave this movie a look. The effects for this movie inspired me to make a career change into visual effects, and I haven't looked back since. Not sure why this movie didn't get more attention, because it's brilliant. Also, Keanu and Rachel Weisz also worked together with Morgan Freeman in Chain Reaction. Not sure if you've seen it, but it's worth a watch.
The reason this movie didn't get more attention when it came out was because this was Keanu's next action film right after The Matrix trilogy films, and since those got a super amount of hype and attention, this movie seemed small in comparison. So it was just bad timing really.
Peter Stormare is so, so good. Whether he's portraying the ultimate evil, or trying to take money from a bowler, or stuffing his dead partner into a wood chipper. One of the best character actors in the business, hands down.
Okay wow so you have again reached one of my favorite movies, I dont know how to contain this happiness. You dont have any idea how important your uploads are ❤️
Ooh James! You need to get into more of this type of jam! Angelic horror is a vastly underrepresented sub-genre. Definitely check out The Prophecy (1995), with Christopher Walken.
Dude, watching your watches is always a pleasure. I hope that you are able to provide your insight into the future Alan Wake film. I agree, there was so much of this film that was just ground breaking, especially considering the comic origins. It is truly a shame that Constantine isn't more recognized for the film aspect. I know I am totally psyched for the sequel !
Coming soon: Constantine, Part 2. Keanu Reeves and Francis Lawrence will be teaming up once again to bring back this beloved comic book character. Guillermo Del Toro was considered for Directing but was too busy with his stop motion Pinocchio movie.
Didn't think you'd be into it but two movies Night Watch and Day Watch (sequel) made by Timur Bekmambetov (also, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter). Both movies had nutty visuals, crazy stylish, and super inventive with the use of new CGI technology and camera mobility, made around the same time as Constantine. Check them out if you can find them.
I own all three films,his Hollywood film debut, Wanted, and other thrillers about the Dark Web, ie Searching, Unfriended, and Profiler on Blu. Timor is great. 😎👏🏿👏🏿recommended.
Good shout, James. An Alan Wake series done with Constantine's direction and visual style would be excellent. This is my first time hearing about a possible sequel in the works and I am absolutely here for it 100%.
Glad this is finally getting a sequel. I think a major factor in the poor reception on release is that it doesn’t really reflect the Hellblazer comics; Constantine is a blonde Liverpudlian in the comic for example. Still think that there’s a lot to like in this film though.
I think it reflects a lot of the atmosphere and smaller touches, even if the central story perhaps not so much. Still washed of a lot of the grit, of course, but still.
For some more Constantine there was a TV show as part of the Arrowverse, and the same actor plays him Legends of Tomorrow. Both much more comic accurate. The character also makes a brief appearance in the Sandman graphic novels and new Netflix show of the same name. For some Cyberpunk Keanu check out Johnny Mnemonic. Technically the TV show Lucifer also derived from the same graphic novels, but is very different from the book
John Constantine...certified gangster? Breaking Bad & Fargo Season 3 on the patreon! Click here for early access: www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day everyone!
this is the one movie that keanu wanted to make a second movie too. on colbert he said he always wanted to make a second constantine film. he got his wish, last week he was said to be on the cast of constantine 2.
James, please look into watching "The Prophecy" ( 1995 ) for the spooky season. A great horror movie with Christopher Walken and Viggo Mortensen with a similar edgy foray into religion. It is also well written and doesn't pull punches.
I could never understand why so few people appreciated the artwork that this movie obviously is. Glad that it is starting to get some more attention at the moment. This movie is just so great 🤩🤯
This is one of my favourite movies. Everybody was just so suited to the roles they were cast in. Peter Stomare is fantastic as Lucifer, right up until Tom Ellis, he was my absolute favourite casting of Lucifer. I might even say they’re on par for different reasons. I love the scene where Lucifer pulls the cancer from Constantine’s lungs, saying ‘you will live’ rather than let him go to heaven, and then you can see the colour come back into John’s face where he’s been grey-ish most of the movie. Such a neat little detail.
This film is so underrated it hurts because it's such a cool film and Peter Stormare is always a treat, love how Lucifer has a white suit instead of a red suit that is stereotypical in so many films and series because "red means scary ya'll" but the white suit is so much more poignant seeing as he used to be an angel too which is a bit of a juxtaposition and seen as almost blasphemous which is akin to his personality.
The more I watch reactions to this film, the more I love it. I have read the first volume of the original "Hellblazer" comics, and those are cool. I watch this movie, though, as a standalone piece of radness--as though the comics were just reinterpreted through an American lens into a singular experience. It's so fun, like you said. The actors all performed perfectly, and the occult weaponry and systems were all so engaging. It's a fantastic and underrated movie.
Incredibly underrated film. I've seen it many times. Brilliant all-round cast, tier1 cgi work. Peter Stormare as the bloodshot, hungover satan heh lucifer, the "morning-after star".
Glad you liked it so much, it's definitely one of my favorites. I love stylized films and concepts dealing with heaven and hell, or the supernatural. I've seen this like 6 times and owned it but never knew of an end credit scene.. 🤦♂️
This movie really deserved a bit more praise than I remember it getting - I don't know whether it came out at a time where people weren't looking for comic book movies, or whether people really were just so annoyed that this version of Constantine's look wasn't 100% comic accurate
Philippe Rousselot was the DP for Constantine. He is one of the best cinematographers of all time. His compositions and color palette are amazing. He has worked with so many great directors. Check out his oscar winning photography in A River Runs through It.
Finally! Some recognition to how great this movie is. The biggest problem for most people when this came out, and still too this day, Constantine is supposed to be British.... that's it. And I'm ashamed to say, I've never seen the post credit scene, never occurred to me even after the MCU standard. Another great reaction!
The camera angles when he arrives in the taxi to the exorcism site... one is from the hell, and the other is from God watching him from above. Both are follow him. Friking love this movie
This is one of those exceptions where the finished product, even though it’s somewhat different to the source material (which I’m a huge fan of) still ends up being damn cool. Cause, at least aesthetic wise, Keanu’s Constantine is very different from the comic version, but it’s still so good. Peter Stormare along with the rest of the cast is great in it. The visuals, the concepts and introduction to lore is great and I can’t wait to see what they do with the sequel.
One of my favorite movies. Same for my brothers and friends. I was always confused at the RT rating, and general reception at release. Guess people weren't ready, but thankfully seems like more people are discovering how good this movie is.
I've always loved this film, own it on Dvd even! It's extremely underrated, possibly because it took a British character from a London setting and made him american, or because people weren't ready for a Hellblazer movie... I love this, the original Hellblazer comics, the short-lived Hellblazer series, and the Constantine from the Sandman comics, it's all GREAT!
Fun fact: The "Spear of Destiny", or at least what people used to believe it to be in the middle ages, is actually located in my home city of Vienna, Austria. It belonged to the Imperial Regalia of the Holy Roman Emperors and can be visited in the treasury of the Hofburg, the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. The blade shown in the movie is an exact replica of this artefact.
Constantine is one of my favorite movies and certainly did not get the recognition it deserved. LOVED Keanu’s performance, TOTALLY LOVED Archangel Gabriel!!! Wish that a second movie was made
Constantine was a character created for Swamp Thing comics and was very popular and then got his own run in the DC comics called Hellblazer and they're fantastic. Highly recommended them.
this is one of the all time best dc / image comics adaptation imo matt ryan was a stellar choice for the tv roll( though the tv series flopped ) and should have been used for a reboot movie his voice overs in the cartoons are well done
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Peter Stormare's portrayal of the devil in this is probably my favourite in any movie I've seen. It's menacing yet slighty suave.
Peter Stormare is top tier 😈
I also really enjoy Viggo Mortensen's devil in The Prophecy
I still prefer Ellis, but Stormare was great 👍
Agree. And exactly because he IS the combination of those two things.
@@LordVolkov Viggo there gave me nightmares. Can't rewatch that.
Unctuous
He reached in and pulled all the lung cancer, tar and gross shit that was in his lungs out :)
The scene with him elbows deep in Keanu's chest is amazing :)
yeaa, need to rewatch it to understand what its mean,
@@billiamnasta7195 I think he's keeping him alive long enough for him to fuck up and sin so he can take him to hell.
thats what the bubble gum in the end is for ... it shows he tries to quit smoking and leave the self-destructive path
@@ollihro82 and it's a great swerve. You totally think he's got a cigarette in his hand with that motion :D
@@ollihro82 right because he wants to make sure he doesn't even come close to line of "taking his own life" by smoking, considering he wad redeemed in the eyes of God at the end and would currently go to heaven if he died
In one interview, Keanu Reeves was asked which character he would most like to revisit and play again, and without hesitation he said, Constantine.
And now, that wish is granted. You're welcome. heh.
@@vilefly Wait, are they actually making a Constantine 2? Holy shit.
@@n4rf645 They’re planning on doing one with swamp thing and keanu as constantine
I'm glad to see Constantine get the recognition it deserves. Severely underrated at the time of it's release.
we took movies like this for granted. What fools we were.
I think the reason it is underrated and people are iffy about it; is because it is not comic book accurate. It is an excellent movie but he is not "Constantine"
Tilda Swinton as Archangel Gabriel and her acting in that part, the first time an angel feeling pain, is amazing.
And, of course Peter Stormare as Lou
*Lu
I hope Tilda has a role in the second movie. A begrudging team up would be tight, but I really want to see what happens when an angel falls in this universe. Does she end up working at Waffle House?
Who knows...
She retreated through a random wardrobe and became a emo queen in a CS Lewis world with random superpowers :)
The Cast and acting of this movie is Top Tier. The only missing is Morgan Freeman as God
I always loved that little "Wow!" she gives feeling pain for the first time.
I always got the impression that Chaz was fully human (and not a half-breed), and he "earned" his wings due to his faithful help (and sacrifice) in stopping Gabriel and Mamon.
That’s the correct impression👍
thats exactly what happened
correct
In the comics he’s his guardian angel. He’s not fully human in the source material.... 🤷🏼♀️
@@Persephone_Personified i do believe we cant really go off the source material here, given the source material he was named Chas Chandler and not Chas Kramer and much older than he is in the movie. So going off this movie alone, to me he doesn't seem to be Constantine's guardian angel until after he dies (literally did nothing against Gabriel when if they're both angels, they should have relatively the same strength maybe). Then why does he appear with wings only after the conflict? What reasoning would he have to pretend to be a dead human while all that is going down?
Peter Stormare is awesome as Satan. He steals scenes in every damn movie he’s in but I friggin love him in this.😂
He’s great in everything I’ve see him in hahaha and in video games!
I really hope he reprises the role in the sequel
I always thought he was Russian. Lol
@@MikeB12800 He`s Swedish albeit Americanized like Alexander Skarsgard IRL.He is very good at the Russian and German accents however which isn`t surprising considering how close Sweden is to Finland and Russia and German and Swedish being linguistically connected since the Viking era.
Fargo ftw. It began with the pancakes.
Fun fact: Constantine was created by Alan Moore, the same guy that wrote Watchmen and V for Vendetta. He first appeared in the Swamp Thing comics after Alan Moore started writing them. It's a SUPER underrated comic series. He re invented the character and turned it into something on a completely different level.
I need to finish collecting that Swamp Thing run.
I'd say he reinvented the idea of how to write for comics with that even before _Watchmen._ He even wrote _Watchmen_ while writing _Swamp Thing._ That's like writing _Gravity's Rainbow_ while simultaneously writing the Foundation series. Astounding.
@@DrBeardfacePA It's a great run! You should check out the new 52 stories as well especially Animal Man. The way they tied him in was awesome! He's the avatar for the Red, the animal world, and teams up with Swampy to fight the Rot.
@@Theomite Yeah you're probably right. I don't know much about other comics from the early 80s but Moore was always ahead of his time when it comes to mature and philosophical themes in comics. That one story where Swampy carries the skeleton of Alec Holland in a dream as a metaphor for his lost humanity... Gad damn man I don't think I'll ever forget that.
He also created "300", another epic film and graphic novel! 😊
The one good thing to come out of the WB shakeup, so far anyway, is that a sequel bringing back Keanu is now in the works which I never would've expected but this film has aged like a fine wine and I can't wait to see more.
To be fair, I expected it. I watched an interview with Keanu and the interviewer asked "If asked, what role would you love to do a sequel for?" and Keanu legit said "It's not going to happen, but I would love to play John Constantine again." so there you have it. It was actually in an interview about the new Matrix movie I believe. Keanu Reeves asks? Keanu Reeves gets. Keanu Reeves deserves.
What I’d love to see is a do over for Dick Tracy. I actually LOVE 1990s Dick Tracy. The cast was out of this world. Even Madonna did a good job in this one. The costumes and makeup were perfection in my opinion. But they kinda blew it with some of the sets and props. Made it look like a high school production. But I still love it.
@@thealphastrain101 as soon as he said it, I was like oh yeah, it’s happening. Movie has a cult following and more people discover and love it all the time, they’d be ignorant to say, naw, we’re not interested in working with you Keanu and that character again.
@@jeanine6328 Agreed. I have loved the film since the first time I saw it and never understood why others didn't. But, Keanu is one of the nicest people in the business, which is why I said he deserves this. You put out good karma you'll get it back in return.
Yeah, And take away from JarJar abrams hands to make the Constantine series...
The black stuff he pulled out of Constantine at the end was his cancer
Ahhhhh!
Just a small clarification: Chas Kramer *was* a human throughout the main film, just one that was very studious of the same arts as Constantine and so he was able to join in the exorcism of Mammon before Gabriel got to him.
He became an angel after his death, potentially taking Gabriel's place.
That's just your opinion. It's been speculated that he was an angel all along.
@@hoon_sol There's a post credit scene that shows him coming back as an angel so @Skotavus made a very good point
@@CaptainCushty:
You need to learn to read. Of course I'm aware of that scene, and have been since I saw the movie over a decade ago for the first time. What I'm explaining is that some speculate he was an angel all along, and that he didn't come back as one, it was just his true form.
@@hoon_sol Then why would he let himself get smashed up into the ceiling and floor a bunch? Or take the time to become a cabbie, rehearse a Dirty Harry line or not use some kind of power to get into Midnite's place? It just seems very bizarre for an angel to do all of that for seemingly no reason
@@CaptainCushty:
That's a valid question, and the only reasonable answer to that would be as an act for Constantine; this is essentially ultimately what God and Satan are doing after all, putting people in various situations and seeing how they end up handling them, with Constantine being a particularly interesting case (as Satan says, due to how Constantine has been fighting for good so hard, he'd personally come to collect him). Time isn't an issue for angels, obviously, and neither is any of the other things you mention; angels are literally below God in the hierarchy, they have incredible powers. If the entire purpose is to observe and to some extent watch over Constantine, it would make no sense to actually display those powers openly to him, then he'd know immediately.
This film is criminally underrated, I'm glad it's been getting more love lately.
What a coincidence, I just got done rewatching Constantine! So glad they are finally getting round to doing a sequel.
Funny how that happens haha!
Wait... they're doing a sequel?? #OMG
Yeah I'm pretty eager to see what kind of route they are going to take Constantine was hands down a product of its time so I'm excited to see what they are going to do!
@@BoudiccasGhost yeah it got announced a couple of days ago and the original director and writer are returning and of course Keanu is coming back.
@@imjackm2174 oh snap!
This kind of reaction just proves how Constantine has standed the test of time, by its own virtue of being good, regardless of the source material. Took some time but finally it gets the recognition it deserves.
When this first came out I didn't care about "comic accurate casting" because I loved this film so much. And the movie still had the spirit of Constantine: wits, knowledge, manipulation, who he knows, etc.
Tilda Swinton is captivating and Peter Stormare is one of my favorite Lucifer depictions ever.
Honestly, it's got a lot of the comics in it. Definitely its own interpretation of the comics, but still, obviously from the comics.
@@theblobconsumes4859 totally agree. I just remember fans flipping out that he "doesn't look like Constantine".
@@DJKuroh my response to that will always be “so?! Have you seen this film?”
It’s one of my favourite films of all time.
@@realburglazofficial2613 Hard facts. Can't wait for #2
It’s funny how many people seem to consider this one of the best interpretations of Lucifer, considering he’s on screen for about 5 minutes or less.
I remember back in the day when some people hated on the movie because Reeves does not look like the Constantine in the comics.
In this case Reeves just perfectly embodies the role, so he does not need to exactly look like the original.
I really love this movie. Still have my DVD. :D
This is so badass. Idc how anyone rates it. It got robbed in the reviews imo. The performances were all top notch. That alone deserved better than it got.
Completely in agreement with you
Same
Hey man, just wanted to comment in case anyone was still wondering: the spear of destiny is the spear a Roman soldier named Longinus used to pierce the side of Jesus. They did this to make sure he was dead before taking him off the cross for entombment. Loved this film and all your reactions. Keep up the great work!
In the Classic Anime Evangelion, they referred to this as the Spear of Longinus.
i watched this film for the first time as a 14 year old girl and even though it freaked the hell (no pun intended) out of me, it was my gateway to my love for film and storytelling. this film just doesn't get old, as you said it just OOZES coolness.
I really hope they manage to keep the same atmosphere for the sequel. I just love how every location in the movie feels empty and lifeless, at same time it gives this feel that something could jump at you anytime.
same director is attached, so i have high hopes for it.
This, by the bucket load.
Still one of my favorite films. Wish they had done more of them. Glad you got to react to this one, and that you enjoyed it so much.
A sequel is coming soon.
One of the most fun, badass, beautifully shot, underrated movies of all time. It’s really a good movie! I defend it all the time, so excited they just announced a sequel finally!
Tilda Swinton looked SO COOL and played Gabriel really well. I miss the times when you could cast actors for non-human characters and people didn't immediately cry about it online. (Looking at Lucifer in Sandman)
Tilda was the logical choice: an androgynous actor to play an androgynous being.
Sandman tried to emulate this, but failed spectacularly. Tilda was a great option because she’s genuinely androgynous, she has a unique face and ethereal voice, so if they sell her as a mix of man and woman, you buy it. Christie is VERY obviously a woman. A big one, but a woman nonetheless, so hearing people referring to Lucifer as a male was really distracting. Plus, it seemed like she was trying way too hard to be menacing and it didn’t work. She’s a decent actress, but nowhere near Swinton.
@@alexman378 A lot of people complained it wasn't respectful to Lucifer to be played by a woman
@@HotDogTimeMachine385 Wouldn’t say it’s a matter of respect, more of a matter of common sense. It’s extremely obvious they were going by quotas through the entire show left, right and center though.
@@alexman378 It's interesting how people can accept angels changing shape, looking like any human or even biblical monsters, but a woman playing is too far. Especially when angels are described as feminine with long hair and soft features.
YESSSS, TOTALLY underrated. I love this movie, it's so good; the special effects, acting, cast, production, the overall tonal quality is gorgeous. Like you said, every single scene is a stylized comic book panel.
I'm so glad more people are seeing this, it definitely deserves more attention because it really is an amazing piece of art.
i saw an interview with Keanu where he was asked what role he'd like to 'revisit' and he said Constantine. he's wanted to do a sequel to it for *years* apparently. i just hope they don't screw it up. i love this movie, and think it's one of Keanu's best performances. 🥰
Keanu's filming the sequel to Constantine right now!
I've watched this movie so many times growing up I'm so happy we are finally getting a second one ! Thanks for doing this one.
fun fact, originally Michelle Monaghan had a large role in this before she was cut out for thematic reasons in post production, they had to edit around her in some scenes, she apparently gave a fantastic performance, but just created a different vibe then they wanted for the movie. The only shot remaining of her, is her saying "holy water" which was her least favorite scene she filmed.
Ya and the sad thing is her character Ellie was one of the few characters from The Comics in The Film aside from John himself,Gabriel,Lucifer,Chas,Papa Midnite and John`s parents Thomas and Mary Ann Quinn Constantine(Who are both never named nor even shown within frame in the film.)
I really would love to see her scenes, and what the film would have been like, had she remained in the film.
@@theblobconsumes4859 Those were on my dvd as extras 15 years or so ago when I got the dvd when it was released
Holy shit. I love this movie, I've seen it dozens of times, I NEVER knew there was an after credit scene. Mind blown.
the more ya know!
While not a great like-for-like adaptation of the source material, I do really like this film and think it is plenty good enough to stand on its own. It is best appreciated as an homage to the 'Hellblazer' John Constantine, as the Keanu Reeves version of John Constantine is clearly a different character, although one very much cut from the same cloth as the DC comics version.
I call it elseworld Constantine. Just a different universe style of it.
This is the main reason most Constantine fans did not appreciate the movie. With the changes to John, combined with Archangel Gabriel as the villain and Lucifer as the good guy (ish) mainstream audiences also passed on it. Look at the reaction to The Book of Eli (a fantastic film) put the bible in something and people will feel some type of way about it
It's because you can't believe Keanu he can't play bad people convincingly and Constantine is a bad person
@@elenavorobeva6747 no he isn't. He's just a prick, not a bad person.
I feel like he does capture John though, albeit in a slightly more angry way (which is understandable since he’s dying and knows where he’s going). I think he realized how wrong he was, physically speaking, so he doubled down on his characterisation. I mostly think of the film as an Elseworlds type, not exactly the canon one, but a good film never the less.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! The cast. The visuals. Constantine is soooo cool! On Stephen Colbert, Keanu said how he really wanted to revisit Constantine, but he had been turned down several times. Whatever studio exec recently approved that sequel needs a raise!
I'm almost positive this was the moment it got traction. It sticks in my head cause no one expected him to really mention that character. So happy about this!
Whoever rejected it doesn’t deserve to work in Hollywood. No, they deserve Hollywood….. but they sure as heck don’t deserve to even say his name again.
I always assumed Shias character got turned into an angel after he died, not that he was one from the beginning.
Constantine has aged incredibly well, I feel. For a theoretically CGI heavy movie, it still holds up, and the use of comic-book like framing, and just going all-in on the concept helps it stay fresh.
It signifies a lot of what so many movies are afraid to do today. At the time, btw, there were quite a lot of movies fictionalising heaven and hell (without getting preachy).
I had the same reaction you did when I first saw this film. I think this movie is underrated and under appreciated.
Bro I love this damn movie. It is severely underrated. It’s a wild ride that’s for sure. Peter Stormare is fucking chefs kiss. Those were his lungs that got ripped out at the end. That shot of him breathing in the water at the end, was him taking normal breaths for the first time all movie.
Absolutely. This film is cold!
@@JamesVSCinema glad you enjoyed it my man. Really glad.
It was the cancer in his lungs, Lucifer cured him.
@@MichaelBrown101 I always thought it was the tar and cancer he ripped from his lungs, that's why he chews a nicotine gum instead of smoking at the end.
@@stewrmo makes more sense hah
So glad people are finally reacting to this. One of my favorites that feels really underrated. Thanks!!
I saw this in the theatre. I was utterly shocked it didn't perform well and become a franchise. I'm glad it's finally getting some respect all these years later.
I love that he is technically a DC Comics character. Seeing Constantine and Batman together was amazing.
Awesome! Was hoping you would see this one ever since you kicked off your channel. This one is a great use of supernatural noir. Never read the comics but I love Keanu's demeanor and overall tone throughout. It's the world weary gumshoe detective but operating in a world of literal demons and angels. Love the style. Love the tone. Love Stromare as Satan. Soooooo underrated.
You asked about this movie's reception. I can only say that I greatly enjoyed it in the theater, and your share of your experience feels like introducing a friend to something I like.
Really glad you gave this movie a look. The effects for this movie inspired me to make a career change into visual effects, and I haven't looked back since. Not sure why this movie didn't get more attention, because it's brilliant.
Also, Keanu and Rachel Weisz also worked together with Morgan Freeman in Chain Reaction. Not sure if you've seen it, but it's worth a watch.
The reason this movie didn't get more attention when it came out was because this was Keanu's next action film right after The Matrix trilogy films, and since those got a super amount of hype and attention, this movie seemed small in comparison. So it was just bad timing really.
Dude I am so happy you did this movie. It’s one of my favourites and completely underrated!! I’m so glad you liked it!! 👍🏻
17:41 you know how in videogame movies they try to pull off those first person shooting simulation scenes? This is how it should look like.
Peter Stormare is so, so good. Whether he's portraying the ultimate evil, or trying to take money from a bowler, or stuffing his dead partner into a wood chipper. One of the best character actors in the business, hands down.
I've always loved this movie and I'm so freaking pumped it's getting a sequel it's much deserved.
Okay wow so you have again reached one of my favorite movies, I dont know how to contain this happiness. You dont have any idea how important your uploads are ❤️
You’re the best
Ooh James! You need to get into more of this type of jam!
Angelic horror is a vastly underrepresented sub-genre. Definitely check out The Prophecy (1995), with Christopher Walken.
Then Legion
yes please, The Prophecy is also highly overlooked and so interesting
I would say "Prophesy" is from the same universe as "Constantine".
Omg! Yes. Someone else finally suggesting it somehow. If he just watches the first 3 movies, he can stop there.
spiderman np way home< nice
I'm so glad you watched this and loved it. This is one of my favorite movies and it is a shame that we did not get any more. Such great characters.
I freaking love this movie. Looking forward to the upcoming sequel! I never thought of this fil as "'horror", it's a superhero flick, basically.
So underated love this movie it's one of those movies you can rewatch on a boring day deserved a sequel
Dude, watching your watches is always a pleasure. I hope that you are able to provide your insight into the future Alan Wake film. I agree, there was so much of this film that was just ground breaking, especially considering the comic origins. It is truly a shame that Constantine isn't more recognized for the film aspect. I know I am totally psyched for the sequel !
Appreciate this homie! I’m happy others seem to share the same excitement I had during the first viewing!
Coming soon: Constantine, Part 2.
Keanu Reeves and Francis Lawrence will be teaming up once again to bring back this beloved comic book character. Guillermo Del Toro was considered for Directing but was too busy with his stop motion Pinocchio movie.
OMGOSH OMGOSH OMGOSH …. Reeves, Lawrence and possibly Del Toro!! That’d be amazing
That’s awesome! Excited for it!
I almost can't watch movies any other way than with James's commentary. It is a uniquely wonderful way to enjoy a movie
Didn't think you'd be into it but two movies Night Watch and Day Watch (sequel) made by Timur Bekmambetov (also, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter).
Both movies had nutty visuals, crazy stylish, and super inventive with the use of new CGI technology and camera mobility, made around the same time as Constantine.
Check them out if you can find them.
ABSOLUTELY!
I own all three films,his Hollywood film debut, Wanted, and other thrillers about the Dark Web, ie Searching, Unfriended, and Profiler on Blu. Timor is great. 😎👏🏿👏🏿recommended.
Good shout, James. An Alan Wake series done with Constantine's direction and visual style would be excellent. This is my first time hearing about a possible sequel in the works and I am absolutely here for it 100%.
Plus, Alan Wake is getting a sequel... Coincidence? I think not! 😂
When James brought up Alan Wake, I almost cried; such a damn good game 👍🏽
Glad this is finally getting a sequel. I think a major factor in the poor reception on release is that it doesn’t really reflect the Hellblazer comics; Constantine is a blonde Liverpudlian in the comic for example. Still think that there’s a lot to like in this film though.
Me too!! Hoping they could do it justice!
@@JamesVSCinema Ya, in the Comics John was designed after Sting and Lucifer was designed after David Bowie.
I think it reflects a lot of the atmosphere and smaller touches, even if the central story perhaps not so much. Still washed of a lot of the grit, of course, but still.
Glad you reacted to this bro. One of my favorites!
For some more Constantine there was a TV show as part of the Arrowverse, and the same actor plays him Legends of Tomorrow. Both much more comic accurate. The character also makes a brief appearance in the Sandman graphic novels and new Netflix show of the same name.
For some Cyberpunk Keanu check out Johnny Mnemonic.
Technically the TV show Lucifer also derived from the same graphic novels, but is very different from the book
I would say he only *looks* more like the comics. Keanu captured the personality so much better.
This movie was so underrated imo.
Thanks for reviewing , positive vibes fam-
I recommend to watch The Ninth Gate with Johnny Depp. Hidden gem
Have seen this movie 25+ times over the years. The 100's of movies I have seen this is still my favorite.
John Constantine...certified gangster?
Breaking Bad & Fargo Season 3 on the patreon! Click here for early access: www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema
Have a great day everyone!
Highly underrated film.
IMO best devil scene in history! Also IMO top 5 picks for best superhero movie of all time!
by the comics , constantine was in swamp thing june of 1985. blade started 1975. both took the whole monster hero's to a whole new level!
this is the one movie that keanu wanted to make a second movie too. on colbert he said he always wanted to make a second constantine film. he got his wish, last week he was said to be on the cast of constantine 2.
James, please look into watching "The Prophecy" ( 1995 ) for the spooky season.
A great horror movie with Christopher Walken and Viggo Mortensen with a similar edgy foray into religion.
It is also well written and doesn't pull punches.
Your reactions are just making me want to watch this all over again!
Excellent movie! Also recommend Fallen with Denzel Washington. Another underrated movie
One of my favourite ever movies. It's so underrated and underappreciated. I'm really looking forward to the second one!
I read Hellblazer comics. This version is not a very faithful adaption of the character or tone of the comics, but it’s still great in its own right.
I really really hope the sequel continues the atmosphere and style of this one.
Am always here for Keanu being bad ass!!!! Lol
Yessir!!!
@@JamesVSCinema plus he grew up in my hometown so gots to support lol
This movie finally pushed to Patreon. This plus the Fifth Element are in my top favourite movies ever. Amazing reaction.
I could never understand why so few people appreciated the artwork that this movie obviously is. Glad that it is starting to get some more attention at the moment. This movie is just so great 🤩🤯
Great reaction! I loved this movie when I saw it back in the day. I'm surprised more ppl haven't seen it yet.
I missed when this premiered. This is one of my comfort movies. I don't know how many times I've seen it.
Constantine 2?! I have been waiting since late 2000s for a sequel to this movie. I'm glad you enjoyed it man!
This movie always been a favorite of mine,.. the casting was amazing... and the whole plot was fun and easy to follow
This is one of my favourite movies. Everybody was just so suited to the roles they were cast in. Peter Stomare is fantastic as Lucifer, right up until Tom Ellis, he was my absolute favourite casting of Lucifer. I might even say they’re on par for different reasons. I love the scene where Lucifer pulls the cancer from Constantine’s lungs, saying ‘you will live’ rather than let him go to heaven, and then you can see the colour come back into John’s face where he’s been grey-ish most of the movie. Such a neat little detail.
This film is so underrated it hurts because it's such a cool film and Peter Stormare is always a treat, love how Lucifer has a white suit instead of a red suit that is stereotypical in so many films and series because "red means scary ya'll" but the white suit is so much more poignant seeing as he used to be an angel too which is a bit of a juxtaposition and seen as almost blasphemous which is akin to his personality.
love this movie and love your reactions!!! you are so entertaining!
YES!! Finally!! 🎉never clicked a notification so fast
Ayyyy happy to see ya!!
The more I watch reactions to this film, the more I love it. I have read the first volume of the original "Hellblazer" comics, and those are cool. I watch this movie, though, as a standalone piece of radness--as though the comics were just reinterpreted through an American lens into a singular experience. It's so fun, like you said. The actors all performed perfectly, and the occult weaponry and systems were all so engaging. It's a fantastic and underrated movie.
I was surprised it took this long that they're making a sequel! This is a great movie 🎥🍿😎👍
I LOVE THIS FILM SO MUCH, Constantine never gets nearly enough praise!
Incredibly underrated film. I've seen it many times. Brilliant all-round cast, tier1 cgi work. Peter Stormare as the bloodshot, hungover satan heh lucifer, the "morning-after star".
Glad you liked it so much, it's definitely one of my favorites. I love stylized films and concepts dealing with heaven and hell, or the supernatural. I've seen this like 6 times and owned it but never knew of an end credit scene.. 🤦♂️
This movie really deserved a bit more praise than I remember it getting - I don't know whether it came out at a time where people weren't looking for comic book movies, or whether people really were just so annoyed that this version of Constantine's look wasn't 100% comic accurate
Philippe Rousselot was the DP for Constantine. He is one of the best cinematographers of all time. His compositions and color palette are amazing. He has worked with so many great directors. Check out his oscar winning photography in A River Runs through It.
Finally! Some recognition to how great this movie is. The biggest problem for most people when this came out, and still too this day, Constantine is supposed to be British.... that's it. And I'm ashamed to say, I've never seen the post credit scene, never occurred to me even after the MCU standard. Another great reaction!
The Matrix trilogy, the John Wick trilogy, the Constantine trilogy... this man really is GOD of action!
yoooo i watched this movie yesterday!! this is the third or fourth time that ive watched a movie that you review the next day!
The camera angles when he arrives in the taxi to the exorcism site... one is from the hell, and the other is from God watching him from above. Both are follow him. Friking love this movie
This is one of those exceptions where the finished product, even though it’s somewhat different to the source material (which I’m a huge fan of) still ends up being damn cool. Cause, at least aesthetic wise, Keanu’s Constantine is very different from the comic version, but it’s still so good. Peter Stormare along with the rest of the cast is great in it. The visuals, the concepts and introduction to lore is great and I can’t wait to see what they do with the sequel.
One of my favorite movies. Same for my brothers and friends. I was always confused at the RT rating, and general reception at release. Guess people weren't ready, but thankfully seems like more people are discovering how good this movie is.
Thanks for this, hope you are well, as always stay awesome and stay genuine.. much love
This movie looks so much better than I remember. And I kinda liked it as a teen. I should definitely watch it again someday.
I've always loved this film, own it on Dvd even! It's extremely underrated, possibly because it took a British character from a London setting and made him american, or because people weren't ready for a Hellblazer movie... I love this, the original Hellblazer comics, the short-lived Hellblazer series, and the Constantine from the Sandman comics, it's all GREAT!
There are a couple of Constantine animated movies out. And his character is a regular in a TV series called Legends of Tomorrow.
Fun fact: The "Spear of Destiny", or at least what people used to believe it to be in the middle ages, is actually located in my home city of Vienna, Austria.
It belonged to the Imperial Regalia of the Holy Roman Emperors and can be visited in the treasury of the Hofburg, the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty.
The blade shown in the movie is an exact replica of this artefact.
Constantine is one of my favorite movies and certainly did not get the recognition it deserved. LOVED Keanu’s performance, TOTALLY LOVED Archangel Gabriel!!!
Wish that a second movie was made
One of my favorite movies of all time. Funny part is, I didn't know Constantine was a comic book character until I was older
watch this when i was in my early 20's, hoping praying for sequel..with the news they about to make the 2nd one,put a smile on my face
Constantine was a character created for Swamp Thing comics and was very popular and then got his own run in the DC comics called Hellblazer and they're fantastic. Highly recommended them.
We waited long enough! Let's gooooo Constantine 2!!
this is one of the all time best dc / image comics adaptation imo matt ryan was a stellar choice for the tv roll( though the tv series flopped ) and should have been used for a reboot movie his voice overs in the cartoons are well done