CONSTANTINE: 15th Anniversary Reunion @ Comic-Con@Home 2020 ... & My (Brief) Impressions of the 2005 Film Now

So okay, this was pretty darn special... Introducing the "15th Anniversary Reunion" of 2005's CONSTANTINE virtual panel for ComicCon@Home, featuring actor Keanu Reeves, director Francis Lawrence, and producer Akiva Goldsman - all pf whom reunite in this virtual panel to reflect on the making of the 2005 DC Comics adaptation. Moderated by Collider's editor-in-chief Steven Weintraub.


What I really enjoyed about CONSTANTINE then, where the parallels the story and characters had with Eastern (folk)lore, with something as seemingly "simple" as having "the sight", which we simply label as "yin yang yen" ("阴阳眼" aka being able to see the spirits, and in return they can see you and recognise that you can see them). I've heard stories about them, and perhaps have even encountered friends of my parents who was said to possess "the gift".

The notion of shamans and exorcists have existed in both lore and Eastern media for years now, and is recognisable to this Asian boy/man typing all these, while said notion seen on the Western Hollywood or tv media is as interesting and intriguing, the contextualisation is not necessarily "immediate". But when certain aspects of lore overlap or mirror, the recognisability can be as thrilling, and quite frankly sometimes off-putting too ... but in the case of CONSTANTINE, it was a welcomed notion, which really helped me embrace the movie more than my initial comprehension, having been a staunch reader of the comicbook, which featured a blonde-haired Brit, versus the Americanized Keanu - all of which I am thankful now for the casting of Keanu, as I cannot imagine anyone else representing the fictional character.

NOW< I want to see a sequel with the long-haired and beard Keanu as his version of "Constantine" - which understandably might be a weird-twisted visual of "John Wick", but ... I DON'T CARE! LOL


Keanu in his own way, is able to inhabit a character, and make it his own - beyond "John Wick", and in earlier genre films, including "The Matrix" trilogy - so I can imagine if he DOES take on any Marvel or DC role now, his persona NOW would be far outshine any character he plays ... no small wonder he is currently writing comicbooks, as a way to achieve and live-out whatever superhero-dreams he may have wanted, on his own terms, so to speak.

As cliched-ridden as "Constantine" is in this film, the attitude shown, the subdued verve, worked ... Perhaps not necessarily during the time it was aired (IMHO), but it being able to last thru 15 years, is no small accomplishment alongside Keanu's shining star, and of course the recognisability of the feature in the context of NOW. I certainly know what film I'll be trying to watching this coming Friday Night! I just need to find that DVD... :p

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