CONSTANTINE “Non Est Asylum” Review

Everyone fights their demons. His fight back. Read on to find out who wins.

The description from NBC:

Based on the wildly popular comic book series “Hellblazer” from DC Comics, seasoned demon hunter and master of the occult John Constantine (Matt Ryan, “Criminal Minds”) is armed with a ferocious knowledge of the dark arts and a wickedly naughty wit. He fights the good fight – or at least he did. With his soul already damned to hell, he’s decided to abandon his campaign against evil until a series of events thrusts him back into the fray, and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect the innocent. With the balance of good and evil on the line‎, Constantine will use his skills to travel the country, find the supernatural terrors that threaten our world and send them back where they belong. After that, who knows… maybe there’s hope for him and his soul after all.

Going to be honest: I’ve never picked up Hellblazer.  Not sure why, just never have.  And now, I’m regretting it as this adaptation took off like a bat outta hell from beginning to end.  There was never a dull moment with a lead character that added to the tension in every aspect of the story.  You were drawn into the pain of both John Constantine and his ‘damsel in distress’ played by Angelica Celaya.  And, then, there was a bigger mystery foreshadowing something down the road.

The writing deserves a lot of credit, with a script by Daniel Cerone and David S. Goyer that successfully wove this supernatural tale. There were times where the show surprised me while the effects wowed me. The very relationships that John Constantine has with all of the other players felt unique and real, whether it was the daughter of a medium or a tough looking sidekick. Even the annoying angel that kept hinting at bigger things, it all clicked as the whole episode just worked.

Without a doubt Matt Ryan (John Constantine) is the glue that holds it all together, although the supporting cast pulled their weight.  Angelica Celaya played the befuddled pawn well and both Harold Perrineau (Manny, the angel) and Charles Halford (Chas, the indestructible sidekick) cashed in winning performances. The cast rounded out nicely but it was Ryan’s ability to go from apathetic drunk to super exorcist that made it believable and enjoyable.

All in all, my first exposure to the world of Hellblazer through Constantine was positive and I can’t wait for more.  I whole heatedly encourage any new potential fanboys and fangirls to give it a try while also being curious about what the old school followers will think.