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Chas (Shia LaBeouf) is dying to join John in the fight against demons

But the film's preoccupation with jarring violence and distortions of Christian symbolism are truly troubling. A character undergoes a reverse baptism, awakening to horror. Demons try shoving their way through one woman's throat and another woman's womb. The Cross is everywhere, but the Savior who died on it goes unmentioned. Constantine's premise makes Jesus' existence impossible—God and Satan have apparently made a bargain not to intervene on the plane of human existence, using only the power of suggestion instead. What was Christ, if not God's most significant intervention into human history?

This question is easily forgotten in the onslaught of frenzied, CGI-generated apocalyptic imagery. Horror movie buffs will enthusiastically absorb the relentless shocks, the showdowns, and the expletive-laced ultimatums. Lawrence's approach to holding our attention consists of frequent, hushed pauses, followed by explosive assaults to our senses. The camera is at the receiving end of gunfire, punches, blowtorch blasts, and falling bodies. Every few minutes, someone smashes through a mirror, a window, a wall, or a watery surface. One hero half-drowns another. Holy water acts like acid, burning human flesh off demons in disguise. The relentless violence is wearying. By the time Peter Stormare appears in the last act playing the part of Lucifer (Constantine calls him "Lu"), the story has become so convoluted and ridiculous that we can't take the movie seriously anymore. (Judging from his campy, over-the-top performance, neither can Stormare.)

Constantine, trying to escape the grip of those pesky demons

Fortunately, the storytellers know enough to recognize the need for a Christ figure, even if all they have available is an arrogant, resentful con man with the initials "J.C." But the conclusion would have been more resonant if we'd learned not just the wages of sin, but the blessings of obedience. It's a misleading idea that the film presents—good and evil in "balance." Even so, we get gobs of hell and only a glimmer of heaven.

Constantine is likely to blockbust its way to some sequels. Christian moviegoers who see it might enrich post-viewing discussions by pointing out what Scripture actually says about spiritual warfare and the "full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18). They might point to a God who is not remote, not indifferent, but aggressively benevolent. He never signed a cosmic détente with Satan. Instead, he defeated him by taking the sting from death through the sacrifice and resurrection of an obedient, willing hero.

1. What is the difference between Constantine's understanding of redemption and the way Scripture describes it? What is truly required of us for forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life?
   
   
2. Are good and evil equal forces that should exist in a balance? Or is one stronger than the other? Upon what do you base your opinion?
   
   
3. If you consider the signs given in Constantine, what can you say about "God" in this comic book world? What kind of God is he?
   
   
4. Does Constantine have a right to be angry with God? Why or why not?
   
   
5. What does Scripture say about demon possession? What examples does it give us? In the Bible, who casts out demons? Is this something anyone can do?
   
   
6. Compare the angel Gabriel of the Bible to the angel Gabriel of Constantine. How are they different?
   
   
7. Why is Chas impressed with Constantine? Do you think it's a healthy admiration? Do you think Constantine is a good role model?
   
   
8. What are Constantine's strengths? What are his weaknesses?

Constantine is appropriately rated R for extreme violence, gore, and obscenities. Unlike the Harry Potter stories, in which magical spells are the sort found in fairy-tale make-believe, Constantine fictionalizes the dangerous realities of spiritual warfare in a way that entertains us with sensationalized evil. This is the kind of film that really could provoke immature viewers to develop an unhealthy interest in the occult.

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