As suggested above, this was a slightly odd experience. There was much in the film that should have made it pretty poor – the basic story line was somewhat ludicrous – although it was interesting to see such a relatively mainstream film where religion and theology was central and taken relatively seriously, the plotting was not always clear with characters who were of some importance, it seemed to the story (particularly Chas) did not appear for long stretches and then suddenly became central – both to the plot and as significant elements in the portrayal of the central role. At the end it was clear that Chas was of some emotional importance (although how and why we were never really told) although his screen time and importance to the central plot did not, until the climax, really become apparent.
The film was certainly helped by the first-rate cast – I am never quite sure as to how or to what extent, good actors can make indifferent material seem better than it is. Keanu R was marvellous; he has the ability to convey depth and stillness – an interior person – which invariably helps the material that he is often dealing with. He can evoke sympathy without playing sentimentally to the gallery which is quite an achievement. Likewise the ever-watchable Tilda Swinton who surely must have one of the most varied filmographies ever.
As suggested before, the central importance of religion was an unusual feature of the film – and the Bosch-like scenes in Hell (yes, it was that sort of movie – in one way) were startlingly impressive. More surprising as the image given was quite a literal one with actual fire and brimstone. And the effects did what they should have done – effectively brought a scene to a certain sort of vivid life rather than being ends in themselves –another frequent failing of films derived from such sources. Halfway through I was still not quite sure to what extent this was successfully bought off but by the end I think I would say that it JUST about managed it.
In the latter part of the film, we learnt more about Constantine and his back story which helped to round him out and make him more interesting – luckily there was not excessive back-story given at the start which can too often happen with characters and situations drawn from graphic novels.
So, surprisingly enjoyable.