Constantinereview by Jeffrey Overstreet |
posted 2/18/2005
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Cliff Vaughn (EthicsDaily) writes, "Even though an off-the-wall theology underpins Constantine … [it] offers some food for thought in the way of demons on earth being 'influence peddlers.'"
Roberto Rivera (BreakPoint) says, "Yes, parts of the plot are silly and differ greatly from the Christian tradition. But you could say the same about The Omega Code and Left Behind, and do I have to tell you which is the infinitely better use of your entertainment dollar? What makes Constantine worthwhile, aside from its considerable entertainment value, is its particular window into our cultural 'moods.'" He goes on to explain what he means by that.
Kevin Miller (Film Forum) says, "While the theology of this film is far from orthodox, the themes and questions it raises are a different story. Few Christian films have done a better job of depicting the difference between works and grace. And few mainstream films offer such a strong affirmation of the spiritual dimension of life, showing it to be every bit as real and consequential as the physical. Constantine also addresses a number of spiritual questions that seem particularly pressing at this point in time, questions like 'Is God good?' 'Does he have a plan for me?' 'Is he out to get me?' 'Is he even there?' and 'What must I do to be saved?'"
Steve Beard (Thunderstruck) concludes, "The film is a mind-bending, theology-probing, fear-stirring journey through the graphic and relentless underworld battles between angels and demons. In the midst of this R-rated film, it is not difficult to be reminded of St. Paul's tutorial on spiritual warfare: 'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms' (Ephesians 6:12)."
Kevin Miller (Relevant) says, "While I hope viewers won't blindly accept the deistic, dualistic portrayal of good and evil in this film, I do hope it inspires them to think more seriously about the above questions and the spiritual dimension of life as a whole. Not quite The Matrix but infinitely better than Van Helsing, Constantine is a rare supernatural thriller that isn't afraid to make you think. I'm already looking forward to the sequel."
For Andrew Coffin (World), all of this "thought-provoking" isn't enough to earn Constantine approval. "Constantine … is full of biblical imagery. But a smoothie is also full of fruit, which doesn't mean that the final product bears much resemblance to its ingredients. Constantine is a similarly muddled jumble of supernatural spirituality that doesn't have the benefit of tasting like a dessert or containing a modicum of nutritional value. That's not to say that [it] is completely lacking in intriguing ideas—just that none are fleshed out or coherent enough to make the film's explicit imagery especially palatable."
In general, mainstream critics don't see Constantine as a step up for Reeves. But some of them seem as confused about Christianity as the movie is. One describes the film as "the most staunchly Christian film since Left Behind," adding, "except it's entertaining."
from Film Forum, 03/03/05
Greg Wright (Hollywood Jesus) says, "Constantine often plays like eschatology-as-theme-park-ride. And when it's all said and done, you may find yourself tired of the—ahem—constantinanity."
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