Constantine (2005)

Many fans of the Hellblazer comic on which it was based may deride this big-screen adaptation for the liberties it took with the supernatural anti-hero John Constantine. Still, those changes aside, director Francis Lawrence — who went on to helm I Am Legend and three-quarters of The Hunger Games franchise — creates a stunning visual palette for its hero’s ability to commune with both angels and demons. Keanu Reeves may not be as well-suited for the part as he was as Neo in The Matrix, but he delivers a solid performance as the weary, chain-smoking exorcist. Moreover, supporting players Rachel Weisz, Tilda Swinton and Peter Stormare — in a brief appearance as Lucifer himself — go a long towards fleshing out the horrific universe of the film. Even if it’s not a masterpiece, Constantine is one of the more entertaining (and financially successful) efforts based on DC comics not starring Batman or Superman.