Keanu Reeves’ career is plagued with strange ups and downs, as well as quite misunderstanding by many people. He has been accused of limited for abusing stoicism in several films or dramatic films (of course, his comedies where he is really funny and buries the accusations of being unexpressive are omitted), and the decline of the 2000s after 2000s has been exaggerated. the success of ‘The Matrix’.
For some reason, (unfair) disenchantment with the aftermath of the Wachowskis has been associated with disenchantment with the figure of Keanu despite the fact that in that period he was capable of doing great and interesting movies. One of the best and most underrated has just arrived on HBO Max, and has been generating a recent cult following that has caused its resurrection until a potential sequel that may arrive soon. We speak, of course, of ‘Constantine’.
between heaven and hell
It is possible that more than one has a bittersweet memory of the moment of the premiere of this film, in which Reeves gives life to the supernatural patrolman of DC Comics. A character who falls outside of their expected rangeand not only because of the superficial physical differences but also because of his rogue and even unpleasant character, which the actor manages to channel more successfully than many recognize.
Directing is Francis Lawrence, a highly efficient commercial filmmaker with some hits behind him, but rarer than his reputation as a craftsman would suggest. Even with the limitations imposed to make the film suitable for minors, ‘Constantine’ leaves signs of heartbreaking cynicism and bad drool that darken the action fantasy he tries to make.
The weather has been especially good for the film. Effects can be criticized as it is done with almost any film over 10 years old, but not for lack of attitude and desire to distinguish itself. Being from DC, it could be framed within the superhero genre. To do so, we would be before one of the most unique and charismatic films of the time.
‘Constantine’: a different hero
Certainly the nuance of macabre action and darker, more mature character was a turning point for Reeves which many believe. This turn that he takes as a hero was the first step that could propel the violent and adult turn that he took with ‘John Wick’, the film that has promoted the second youth that the actor is going through right now.
The bottom line, yes, is that it is time for ‘Constantine’ to get rid of a certain reputation as a failed or erroneous film within the actor’s career. Its 230 million collections showed that it did not exactly have absolute rejection, and the cult it has been generating in recent years is enough to start a sequel. Hopefully one that maintains the interesting aspects of the characterization and the world of angels and demons that he draws, even daring go further to make the adult film the character deserves.