2005's “Constantine” proved noted music video and commercial director Francis Lawrence deserved a shot at the big screen, but fans found Keanu Reeves casting as the title character grossly lacking. Besides the fact Reeves looked little like the fan favorite DC Comics' “Hellblazer” hero, there was almost none of John Constantine's wisecracking and “never say die” spirit in his performance let alone the screenplay. Fast forward almost a decade and it appears director Neil Marshall, show creator Daniel Cerone and star Matt Ryan have finally delivered the Constantine we've been waiting for.
Granted, it's based on just 3 1/2 minutes or so of footage, but Marshall, who directed the very memorable “Blackwater” episode of “Game of Thrones,” appears to have brought the pilot a strong cinematic look along with some much needed humor. Plus, after watching this sneak it's hard to imagine any other actor besides Ryan coming this close to pulling off Constantine's look and – whew – thank god they didn't drop his English accent.
Check out the sneak of “Constantine” in the full clip at the top of this post and in NBC's trailer embedded at the bottom.
Do you like what you've seen so far? Will you make time for “Constantine” on Friday nights? Let us know by sharing your thoughts in the comments section.