when you basically make the first John Wick
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- Опубліковано 5 лис 2024
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🎬 In this FIlmSpeak video essay we discuss the most underrated comic book movie Constantine and when you basically make the first John Wick.
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Why Constantine is the Most Underrated Comic Book Movie | The Keanu Reeves Prototype for John Wick
Constantine remains one of the most underrated comic book adaptations, and it's time it gets the credit it deserves! In this video, we explore why Constantine stands out as a unique blend of dark fantasy, horror, action, and noir that was way ahead of its time. From its gritty visual style to Keanu Reeves' internal, hard-boiled portrayal of the brooding, chain-smoking anti-hero John Constantine, this film laid the groundwork for what Keanu would later bring to the John Wick franchise.
We dive deep into how Constantine’s themes of redemption, moral ambiguity, religious hypocrisy , and the relentless pursuit of justice mirror the story beats in John Wick. Plus, we look at how Reeves' performance evolved, comparing Constantine’s world-weariness with Wick’s cold determination. Griffin (@griffschiller) gives you his Constantine review and explains why Constantine was ahead of its time, why Constantine is underrated, why Constantine is perfect in this Constantine video essay. Enjoy this Constantine analysis and Constantine explained video!
#constantine #dc #videoessay #johnwick #keanureeves #constantine2 #dcu #explained #movie #explainervideo #endingexplained #analysis #podcast #moviereview #johnconstantine #hellblazer
Edited by @thesuperframe
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🎞 About Constantine 🎞
As a suicide survivor, demon hunter John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) has literally been to hell and back -- and he knows that when he dies, he's got a one-way ticket to Satan's realm unless he can earn enough goodwill to climb God's stairway to heaven. While helping policewoman Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) investigate her identical twin's apparent suicide, Constantine becomes caught up in a supernatural plot involving both demonic and angelic forces. Based on the DC/Vertigo "Hellblazer" comics.
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What do YOU all think of Constantine?🔥 Is it one of the most underrated comic book movies?? Comment below!💥
Love this film so much. Deals with decent religious lore and is funny too!
@ Definitely!
@FilmSpeak I think the biggest thing the movie does so well compared to modern superhero films is that it doesn't take its world or characters for granted.
We've become so desensitised to flying robots and ancient gods battling in famous cities because so many films just phone the world-building in. Very "they've seen this before, so they'll get it" energy.
Constantine really takes its time to cement and sell its world and the characters that live in it. It never takes the audience for granted. It really wants you to believe in it.
Couple that with some standout performances from some early 2000's icons that were just hitting their stride, and a surprisingly eerie score by the same guy who gave us the Pirates of the Caribbean score?
Instant, cult classic perfection! 👌
It’s a brilliant, genius movie.
I absolutely love this film. It’s just so freaking good. I revisit this one frequently, I think Keanu is kick ass, the concept is interesting, the lore is cool, the stakes are palpable, all the supporting characters are great. I haven’t watched a single John Wick film but I know I will revisit Constantine. I appreciate that you are making the case for it!
Movie was ahead of its time. Thank you for showing love to it.
Absolutely. So refreshing to go back and revisit it!
Sin City is another example of a comic book movie from around this time that really holds up bc there was a lot care shown for the source material.
Man waaaay ahead. Loved this movie and lowkey wanted a sequel
A Constantine video in 2024???
This is why I subcribed.
DAMN STRAIGHT!
@@FilmSpeak .. Constantine was a GREAT movie. Thats why it got such a faithful videogame, too. That the ORIGINAL its based off of cant compare to in all its mediocrity. +
This film deserves way more love
Absolutely. I've seen a few other channels talk about it so I'm glad it's getting SOME love, but yeah, it deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the great CBMs of the 00s.
@@FilmSpeak Amen. On another subject, can you make a video on Tropic Thunder?
Constantine was super underrated. I re-watched it a few months ago and it still holds up. The whole cast and crew were all in the zone on that one.
Constantine is one of my favorite movies of all time. Keanu plays an asshole really well, wish we had more than just Cyberpunk 2077 and Constantine to show for it.
He’s pretty good in man of tai chi aswell
You ever see Street Kings? If not check it out. Keanu is max level asshole and it’s awesome.
I haven’t seen a single John Wick film, I’ve watched Constantine like 5 times. It’s so freakin kick ass, the plot is good, the stakes are gripping, I love it. The opening scene chefs kiss.
Try the first 2 John Wick’s--3 and 4 are kinda disappointing
Wick is definitely worth checking out. I love both.
You gotta at least watch the first John Wick. The last 3 are whatever but the first is amazing.
Reeves and Honsou worked so well together. Papa Midnight is such a cool character
I absolutely LOVE this movie! It truly is one of those hidden gems of hidden gems, but I love everything about this movie and it truly has stood the test of time and I love going back to it every once in a while to just relive the story telling and different take on the religious ideologies that we have in the world. It truly is remarkable.
Amen to that!
Love this movie. Fell in love with Tilda Swinton as Gabriel. The end credit scene is a regular random image in my mind. I've re-watched Constantine more than a handful of times since I first saw it in the theatre.
She’s my legit girl crush she’s godly
Same 😍
I'm a DC fan, through and through, and I loved Constantine. I really hope it gets that rumoured sequel. 🤞
I really hope so too. Keanu's passion for it will be the reason it happens. The film has aged remarkably well so it only makes sense to do a sequel!
@@FilmSpeakme to I loved this motion picture
Same, and INTRODUCE TRIGON FINALLY
Sequel is more than rumored, it's confirmed to be in pre-production, whether or not it makes it out of pre-production is a different story.
Better DC movie than any of the actual DC movies. I love Constantine. Everyone involved was clearly invested in the project and the attention to detail is fabulous. I love hearing the director talk about the scene where twin Isabel dies and her pupils dilate, is an absolute joy. Hoping more people check it out with a sequel in the works 🤞🏻
Had fun editing this, got to watch it for the first time too and had so much fun with it ❤
Looks like every department was on their A game on this one.
Constantine is one of my favorite movies. It got me into comic books and it introduced me to one of my favorite bands (a perfect circle).
I watched this movie in a chicago movie theater full of largely a black audience, They loved this movie, and in the end everybody applauded. My black people love keanu. I remember the running joke of almost kissing throughout the movie was especially a highlight amongst the audience and they clapped so hard when Angela flipped it on john and the subtle ending of him pulling what seemed to be a cigarette but turned out to be gum. I think we all knew we had watched something special.
I can still remember scenes from the movie even now and a movie having a place in your memory is something great.
This and the Mummy would be one hell of a double feature (go Rachel Weisz!)
Wow a Constatine review was well overdue. It has struck me that through the memification of most of Keanu's actions, and his distinct method of playing introverted characters, people often regard to his craft as "bad acting" like you mentioned. Which sure, he's not the greatest actor of all time, but he's not the wet cardboard people think he is, especially in his delivery in the John Wick saga, playing off subtlety. And his sometimes stilted delivery seems quite natural for the character, who doesn't speak by words but his actions so it makes sense. People also tend to forget the dedication he puts into his stunts, which is the definitive reason John Wick became popular. Regardless, people argue whether his iconic roles like The Matrix and John Wick could have been so great with him replaced as the lead actor, and the answer being a definitive no warms my heart. He's such a nice guy, and not a lot of people know he's been through quite a lot through his life. He had to deal with the death of his best friend, unborn daughter and girlfriend, and yet he still remains one of the most supportive and wholesome people out there. He doesn't really deserve the hate he gets.
I loved Constantine when I watched it. After hearing your analysis, I can see why. It draws many parallels with my own spiritual journey.
I rarely watch movies more than once. Going to have to give Constantine a second watch :)
I watched this movie as a teenager when it came out with my family and we all loved it. Never thought of it as boring. The world is masterfully crafted to point you feel like you live in it. Instant cult status for me since day 1.
The day the earth stood still is a masterful recreation of an old tale. I always bring it up when people are hating on remakes. There are both good and bad takes on recreation is how I see it.
Hey no shade! I enjoy that film too, though it's been YEARS since I've rewatched it.
Even "So yeah, I'm thinking I'm back!" Makes me giggle... I'm still a fan.
Constantine was so awesome. It's a movie I can just pop in and watch whenever, anytime/anywhere. There were so many crazy scenes in that movie, like they were always doing some crazy shit. Such as when he needed to be left alone with the tub of water and the cat, or needed "The Chair", etc, you just never knew where the movie was going.
One of my favorite movies…In my humble opinion, Keanu makes movies which speak to him. I don’t think that the public is always on his wavelength. Which is ok. And Keanu is such a generous guy he is fine with the criticism. He doesn’t have to worry about his legacy.
I see that people are looking back at the films and TV shows from the last 20 years and watching them thru a new perspective. And I am here for it.
Ikr but as a fan I love it.
It's one of those rare movies you can honestly watch over and over and not get bored of. Like FightClub and GoodFellas. That short legendary list.
CinemaStix did an amazing analysis of the post production of this movie called "so that's why they cut all her scenes from the movie", that breaks down how more than half the scenes in this movie were cut down and repurposed for entirely different sections of the film from where they were originally intentioned.
If this movie would have been as beloved when it came out as it is today we would have gotten a sequel inmediately
People think this movie is BORING!?! I’ve seen this movie enough times I stopped counting and I’ve found it to be a visual and emotional masterpiece every single time
Wrong. The first John Wick was Dracula 1992. John was bitten by female vamps and gained age powers. After he lost Mena he changed his last name.
Nice crossover theory. That Dracula movie is my favorite of Dracula movies. Another gem that we never hear about anymore.
I didn't like the amount of times Shia LaBeouf's character said "John". Apart from that, was a good watch. Saw it at the movies 🎥 🤓
This movie is a great depiction of how a character is written and acted. Peter Stormare, Gwendolyn Christie, and Tom Ellis are all the same character. I dont mean they all play Lucifer, I mean, they all play DCs Lucifer. A character that was modelled after David Bowie, and yet they've all brought something to the role.
I want Constantine 2, maybe I should be careful with what I wish for though they might fuck it up but if it was done right it would be awesome
I saw this in my youth when it came out and loved it. Guess i was ahead of my time.
Hes done bad movies. Hes done great movies. He's never been talked about in a negative light from anyone on those sets. Think thats why we all grew to appreciate him. He was very genuine.
This film is definitely in the Top 10 Dc Films that people should watch cus its aged like Wine like Keanu
& seeing this movie 2 years ago this was a phenomenal film visually and the script especially with the jokes and Shia LeBeouf doing a funny yet optimistic sidekick plus Rachal Wise doing this bad ass in real life but joining along this Heavenly War !
P.S. I'm even more excited (hopeful fingers crossed) that they are doing CONSTANTINE 2 as a reemergence of old DC films
It also has the best on screen version of Lucifer to date.
Amen to that!
Couldn't agree more about his acting: The Zen Nick Cage haha really good call. Never really understood all the hate back in the day; it kind of reminds me of the hate for Creed and Nichelback. He was pretty bad in 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' though.His acting really impressed me in 'The Gift'
If I haven’t already watched Constantine a 1,000 times, this video essay would’ve sold me. Matter of fact. I’m bout to watch Constantine now. Great job… Keep up the good work.
I saw Constantine in theaters. Loved it then, and I still do
The NBC series adaptation is also VERY good!
Something I love about the casting of Reaves is knowing some of the most tragic experiences a human can undergo are experiences Reaves has had. The way he taps into the grief, the anger, the contempt, and the exhaustion of a man isolated in his experience of truly unfair circumstances that basically no one can relate to? Damn if that isn’t an actor playing himself.
Nah, Constantine was an instant classic for me. It warms my heart that so many people are making videos on it. Hope more people watch it
Don't forget about blade, another great world building and storytelling.. from the past..😢
I loved Constantine❤
Criminally underrated film and definitely among the best Keanu vehicles. Will always be one of my favorites.
When you have the full shot of Constantine holding the cat, feet in water, and playing it so seriously. That bit had me, man!
Absolutely loved the Constantine film - so glad you made this video. It deserves so much more love.
Constantine would make a great Inquisitor
the fact it plays a perfect circles passive made it one of my favorite movies growing up
Took like 3 different friend groups to watch it at our local dollar theater (rip cinemark Lynchburg). A true gem of the oughts.
I always liked this film,weird that its soon 20 years old..
sometimes the truth isn't good enough, sometimes people deserve (more) to have their faith rewarded
Calling Constantine "The first John Wick" is an insult to Constantine.
Constantine has been and always be my favorite movie of all time. I love it! Way too much. The subtle themes the introspective look upon a person's mentality. It was just interesting and it had its own style of presenting a story. I love away too much
As someone who isn't especially interested in super hero films, I have to say this is my favourite by far. I love the character, I love the world, I love the ideas this movie wrestles with, I love all the little details and grace notes and most of all I love that this big studio movie ends with two guys just talking in a bathroom. And that scene is ten times more thrilling than any sky beam ending from any number of blockbusters in the following decade.
Fun fact: This was the second time Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz act together.
I've been on the Keanu train ever since babes in Toyland. Always loved this dude.
im glad to see someone actually talk about this! its so good but no one talks about it. watch this and Devil's Advocate back to back if you want a crazy weird but super cool comparison!
He can be a meme AND an international treasure.
They're not mutually exclusive.
btw this video is breathtaking
It absolutely captures the heart of the character. LOVED this when it came out, still love it. I own and have read the 300 main issues, the annuals, the one-offs, the terrible New 52 shit, the expectedly good Sandman Universe run. I didn't mind Matt Ryan's take, but it's a lot closer to the New 52 and Rebirth version than what Delano, Ennis, MIna, Diggle, and Azzarello (to name a few) did to make the character we loved.
nice! I always watch Constantine every other year or so. It's one of very few movies I watch more than once or twice.
I love the day the earth stood still. Was awesome and Constantine I've watched multiple times :) Both great imo :) Nice vid 👍
It's one of the few movies I wouldn't mind watching multiple times.
Showing love to Edgar Wright's Scott Pilgrim, Guillermo del Toro's Hellboy and then Constantine? You're already golden on my book and I want to be your friend.
For real tho, Edgar Wright and del Toro are my favourite directors in terms of creativity and heart, and I love Keanu. I loved him in the Matrix trilogy, but what made me care for his career was Constantine. I only know about The Day The Earth Stood Still because he was on it (never actually watched it tho hahahaha). The Wick saga (haven't watched the fourth one yet) is a banger (especially the first) and I'm glad Keanu got his recognition as a serious action actor beyond the Matrix
I remember this movie well. It was a childhood favorite of mine. It also scared the hell out of me. 💀
I love this movie. I usually don't watch comic movies, but this one hit different.
Never realised that Gabriel represented the organized religion, specifically the various Christian Sects, and probably mostly the Catholic Church
One of my fave films ever despite being very different from the OG graphic novels
Probably my favorite portrayal of the devil in any film. Thanks for the reminder that I ought to watch this one again!
Its one of the best movies I grew up with, keanu's done some that werent great but this one stood out to me the most before John Wick it was one of those movies I would pop this dvd onto the tv either before or after Guillermo del torro's hellboy a lot. to see all the spots that they filmed in L.A all those years ago is not out of place the nostalgia from seeing some of those scenes are absolutely glorious and fits with the films rich tone.
I've maintained for years Constantine is one of the best films ever made, it's that good. So stoked to hear of a potential sequel, there's so much in that world to be explored. 😅
I just watched Constantine recently and loved it, seen it twice this year
I really don't understand why this movie is so underrated.
They made this character a female in the Sandman tv show. I was so confused because I know this character so well.
Then you might know that Joanna Constantine was featured prominently in the original Sandman comic (1989). John is her descendant who also appeared in a smaller role in that comic series. Gaiman decided to combine the roles into one for the show for economy's sake since Joanna played the bigger part in the comic.
Honestly, making him an American is a much more drastic change than making him a woman lol.
@@Mirakulus9 It's also a licensing issue. Gaiman can use Johanna to his heart's content, John is a different story.
I’ve been hyping this movie for like 20 years, so glad it’s finally getting its due.
I saw this one on dvd about 2006 or 2007. Liked it so much, i bought it. I had no idea it was a comic adaptation until maybe 2 years ago.
Amen, brother.
It's a hidden gem, great body of work!
Love this channel
You obviously haven’t watched Street Kings, that’s the real precursor to John Wick
God I love this movie ❤ so iconic. He’s perfect in it!
Don’t forget that the shotgun shells were made from consecrated gold from Holy Relics.
I absolutely loved this movie, my ex and I saw it in the theater when it came out and she loved it as well. John Constantine is my favorite DC character, has been for a long time, but she knew nothing about comic books and had no idea who Constantine was and she still loved it. I’ve seen a lot of people talk shit about this movie but always thought they just bought into that initial Alan Moore bullshit (guy writes amazing comic book stories but always thought he came off as a bit of an asshole tbh) and didn’t watch the movie with an open mind. Loved it when it came out, love it still.
I’m glad you made this! I’d give anything for Constantine 2.
Did you know the majority of people didn’t know about the end credits scene?
I do t care what the critics say. I loved the Constantine movie and have been praying they did another one with Keanu
I LOVED this movie when I was like 8-12….still do hahah. So good
When i was a teen, i never understood why this movie had a bad rep, it's a good film
I really appreciate Keanu and love some of his films, but as a DC comics and Hellblazer fan, I never cared for his version of Constantine, or l should say, Keanstantine. It was a good supernatural thriller, but a poor Constantine movie. Keanu is simply not right for that role, and never will be.
One of my favorite movies. Has the crow vibes in the cinematography and setting.
This movie is great, one of my favorites. Great video!
couldn't have worded it better myself.
0:01
I'm glad there are people out there that actually remember this and haven't been permanently brainwashed by meme culture. Because much like when I mention there being a brief period when Silent Hill 2 wasn't universally lauded as a masterpiece(and was intially viewed as a dissappointment and inferior to SH1), whenever I bring up this faded memory of Keanu's career, people swear I'm mistaken or making stuff up and respond with vitriol
Constantine was several firsts for me, pretty much all good
My equally favorite Gabriel/Lucifer portrayals are Christopher Walken and Viggo Mortensen
"And then you jumped into your bed, so scared that I was there...and I was 🎶 "
One of the first "grownup" movies I've watched as a kid
Was Johnny mnemonic the first matrix?
Thank you 🤝🏾
One of my favorite films. Hopefully news of the sequel isn't just smoke.
I was always on the Constantine is a dope movie train. Never got off.
You must have been living under a rock, because I don't recall Keanu ever not being treated like a treasure, and I sure as hell don't ever remember him dropping off before John Wick. People have ALWAYS memed on him (especially his early acting), sure, but it's like I'm being Mandela Effected. Maybe you'd think that way if you were born only in like the past decade maybe.
1:40 aaaaand im back after watching day the earth stood still...is there another movie i saw that was very similar btw?
It was such a good movie I'm confused why he was acting like it wasn't good