Throwback Thursday: Constantine is better than we remember

Constantine isn’t considered a great comic book movie. However, it’s actually better than we give it credit for. Here’s why.

Keanu Reeves wasn’t always the beloved pop culture darling he is today. For years, many unfairly viewed him as the so-called “bad actor” from the Matrix Trilogy. But after John Wick came out, everyone loved him. It seemed like he found his niche: A dark character that spouts witty one liners and gets himself in involved in a bunch of incredibly-choreographed fights. Reeves may not be an award winning actor, but he’s better than he’s often given credit for. Because of this stigma, people always looked at some of his earlier projects as less than great. Among those projects was DC Comics adaptation Constantine.

For years, Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of John Constantine was looked at as deplorable. Fans of the character said that he was nothing like the comic book iteration – with the exceptions of his trademark chain-smoking and moody attitude. And if you want a more comic-accurate Constantine, then look no further than Matt Ryan’s portrayal on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.

While those critics may have a point, how many adored comic book movies actually follow the source material completely? People are currently fawning over Joker and it’s almost nothing like the comic book character. Is it fair to judge Constantine more harshly for doing the same thing?

Looking back at Constantine, it wasn’t a bad movie at all. In fact, it was actually pretty good.

Reeves was a decent John Constantine

First off, the star. Keanu Reeves as John Constantine. He was good. He played a sullen and cynical supernatural detective well. He kept close to the very film noir vibe that the movie had. Everything that was just mentioned is very much like John Constantine in the Hellblazer comics.

Now, there is one thing that people may not have liked: Reeves didn’t always do him justice. There were more than a few occasions where Reeves’ performance left something to be desired. Like the scene where he threatened to give a demon his last rites? Yeah, not one of Reeves best performances.

That (and a few other moments like that) aside, Reeves was good in the role and he certainly did a much better job than he’s acknowledged for.

A strong supporting cast

Beyond Keanu Reeves, there are other actors that deserve to be recognized for their performances. Those two are Tilda Swinton and Djimon Hounsou. Both of them played smaller roles that were needed for the movie to progress. Without the two of them, this movie wouldn’t have succeeded.

Tilda Swinton may have had the best role in the movie. Then again, it’s Tilda Swinton who is always amazing. Tilda made it easy to hate Gabriel due to the arrogance and blatant disregard for humans. Seeing what happens to Gabriel in the end made it all worth it. Had there been another Constantine movie, there’s no way Gabriel wouldn’t have been involved. Most likely seeking revenge.