Diary of an up and coming sociopath

Finally went and Saw Constantine this afternoon. Can’t say I was too impressed with it, as I suspected it’s a good film, but it’s not necessarily a good Hellblazer film. Actually, it was a half decent film. I can’t imagine I’d watch it again under many circumstances, but it was entertaining enough that I didn’t feel like I’d wasted my time and money. A hit, no doubt, but not a very convincing one. The special effects for the depiction of hell were utterly great, it’s easily my favourite visual from the movie. Character wise, it’s good that he didn’t “get the girl” because it’s not that kind of film or character, and it shows that despite the blood-curdling gum scene at the end, shows they half understand what they were working with. The scene where he’s firing his holy shotgun reminded me of Crimsonland, and wasn’t half as bad as it could’ve been. That’s probably the running theme for the film, actually, ‘not as bad as it could’ve been.’ Make no mistake about what I’m saying though, it wasn’t great by any stretch. I didn’t realise John Constantine was supposed to be so confused all the time. Keanu is definitely missing the punk edge that the character has. The plot is all normal enough pseudo-christian symbolism that’s fair enough for the genre, but they had way too many people trying to get screentime, including the most bizarre Gavin Rossdale appearance ever.

So don’t like, run out to see it. It’s definitely a situation where I’d say to people, don’t waste money on the film because the comics are exponentially better, but I’m trying to avoid comparing mediums and judging them on their own merits (which is fucking hard to do in a case like this, or LoEG…basically any time you’re dealing with Alan Moore, and by god, there’s still Watchmen and V for Vendetta to go, and christ help us if they get their hands on Miracleman… it just doesn’t bear thinking of) so instead I’m going to say if you only see one comic book movie this year, do yourself a favour and wait for Sin City instead.

On my personal spectrum of new-wave (defined as post-X-Men) comic movies (best at top, worst at bottom) I place it thusly:

Spider-Man
X-Men 2
Spider-Man 2
X-Men
The Punisher
Constantine
Daredevil
Hellboy
LoEG
Hulk

There are a few more additions there since I last did it actually, since I decided to include non-marvel movies and I’ve seen a bunch more since I last did it, but this is how it stands.

Yesterday I went into London to get some comics, and noted that not only has Spring arrived, but Summer came with it. I only needed a T-Shirt to be warm enough, which is quite odd considering how it was snowing like a month ago. Very strange. One problem with buying comics and riding back on the tube is that I can sometimes find myself having finished them before I get home. In this instance I purposefully avoided doing so and instead spent so long staring blankly out the window that it was only when the doors closed that I realised I’d just been through the station I wanted, so I had to get off at Baron’s Court and come back. Baron’s court is about equal walk away from here, but it’s in zone 4 so I’d have had to pay just to leave the damn place. This wouldn’t have been half as dumb if I hadn’t made the mistake earlier in the day of thinking “yes, Piccadilly Circus, that’s the stop I want!” and getting off the train when I did, in fact, want Leicester Square. Not my most successful of journeys.

I am currently looking forward to a 4-day week. Two in a row, in fact. It’s surprising how much that seems to shave off work. And I’m getting paid this week! Nothing like a customary pay-day reward. I have my sights set on all 4 Azumange books which can be purchased for under £20. THat should keep me going and simultaneously prevent me from spending yet more money on transformers and red dwarf DVDs and gig tickets like last month. Though, there is the car tax…