Everybody's a critic - 'Constantine'

Four stars (out of four)

The movie "Constantine" is based on the comic book series "Hellblazer" by DC Comics and is directed by Francis Lawrence, who did a fantastic job. Keanu Reeves plays John Constantine, who tries to save souls from the devil. Constantine is working to try to buy his way into heaven by saving souls in Los Angeles, but finds out that it doesn't work that way with God.

Who would have thought that a film like this could engage in the long-standing spiritual themes that are grounded in Christian tradition? Based on the books of Daniel and Revelations, no punches were pulled when it comes to the biblical prophecy.

The movie deals with redemption, judgment and basic notions of afterlife. The images of heaven, hell, the demons of hell and angels are outstanding. Hell is all fire, demons seem to come out of the shadows, areas are burnt as if a wildfire has rampaged through it, making one sure that is not a place anyone wants to go.

You probably wonder about the R rating -- I heard a few bad words, but I feel the rating is due to the extremely good graphics of hell and the violence of certain death scenes. But good over evil prevails and the devil ... well, go see it for yourself.

- Susan Noce, grandmother, nanny

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Three and a half stars (out of four)

The only word to adequately describe "Constantine" is surprising. At first glance the characters seem trite and predictable (an exorcist with a mysterious past, a young and witty cabbie, a police officer bent on finding the truth about an apparent suicide).

However, what "Constantine" lacks in inventive characters, it more than makes up for in style, suspense and visuals. There are many screen shots that are visually interesting. The movie's dark look matches its more adult material -- violent exorcisms and demonic legions means that children should sit this one out.

The way the plot is developed leaves the audience in a perpetual state of curiosity, but everything ultimately ties together. In this regard, the movie is similar to another comic book adaptation, "Blade."

Much of the characters' allure comes from the fact that for most of the film the audience knows very little of their motives or background. For those willing to stomach the film's dark content (hell, demons, suicide and the like) this one will, at the very least, entertain.

- Matt Morris, student