Constantine

I was pleasantly surprised by Constantine, a 2005 film based on a comic book (unread by me) that involves a man who battles demons from Hell. Though it is directed without subtlety by Francis Lawrence, the film succeeds in establishing a mood and even has a measured and shrewd performance by Keanu Reeves.

Reeves is John Constantine, a kind of man for hire who deals with the occult. We open with him exorcising a teenage girl, and he's surprised that a demon is trying to break into the human world. We learn that a balance between good and evil is upheld--neither angels nor demons are permitted into the human plane. But as more and more demons start showing up, Constantine learns that the devil's son is planning to emerge into Earth, with the help of a holy relic.

At Reeves side is Rachel Weisz, as a cop whose twin sister committed suicide, and Shia LeBeouf as his apprentice. As long as the film focuses on character and atmosphere I was right there with it, but the action scenes are loud and busy, with lots of broken glass and smashed walls. Also, the special effects showing Hell and the demons breaks no ground.

There a couple of notable cameos: Tilda Swinton as the angel Gabriel, and Peter Stormare as Lucifer himself.