Angels, Demons, and Devils featuring Keanu Reeves.

      Keanu Reeves is undoubtedly seen as an angel, which makes it fitting that he often finds himself in conflicts against demons and the devil in his films. We examine these battles of good versus evil and the struggle between life and death…

      It's hard not to appreciate Keanu Reeves. He stands as one of Hollywood's good-hearted figures, effortlessly likable, and possesses a golden heart. Often viewed as something of an angel, he has primarily been cast in roles of cinematic heroes. Given his extensive experience in genre films, it’s not surprising that he has faced off against demons and the devil—both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Interestingly, he has even portrayed an angel in one of his most perfectly suited roles. Let’s explore the themes of angels, demons, and devils in Keanu Reeves' filmography…

      Good Fortune

      Somewhat overlooked, Good Fortune marks Aziz Ansari's feature directorial debut, building on the success of Master of None. This film playfully references Wings of Desire while showcasing Reeves as a somewhat disorganized guardian angel, primarily tasked with preventing texting and driving.

      In his role as Gabriel (Reeves), he guides Arj (Ansari), who feels stuck in life. The plot thickens with the introduction of affluent tech mogul Jeff (Seth Rogan), leading to chaos when their lives are swapped, resulting in Gabriel temporarily losing his wings and adapting to life as a human. While this premise has appeared in various films (with a nod to It’s a Wonderful Life), Ansari's characters are relatable, the writing is sharp, and the performances shine, especially the chemistry between Rogen and Reeves. Keanu undoubtedly steals the show. Give that man his nuggies.

      Constantine

      Constantine had a lukewarm box office reception and mixed reviews from critics, resulting in divided opinions among fans upon its release. While this adaptation of the DC comic didn't entirely satisfy die-hard fans, the film has seen a resurgence in appreciation over the past two decades. Francis Lawrence's visually striking film marries the aesthetics of Reeves' Matrix with noir elements, yielding impressive results.

      Does it deserve reevaluation? Yes, indeed. Its script effectively immerses the audience in its universe and lore without resorting to excessive exposition, a rarity in the post-MCU comic book genre. It executes both spectacle and narrative stakes well, and while the CGI shows its age in places, it remains relatively robust—partially due to the visual effects landscape regressing to a level comparable to a solid 2005 production. The performances from Rachel Weisz, Tilda Swinton (as an androgynous Angel Gabriel), and Peter Stormare (as the Devil) are commendable, with Reeves excelling as the central demon hunter. The film's journey from indifference to a passionately devoted fanbase calling for a sequel is quite remarkable. Personally, I'm eager for Reeves to reprise his role whenever that may occur. A minor critique could be that Reeves appears slightly too youthful and attractive for his hard-bitten character—though he was actually 40 during filming. A more weathered Keanu would be visually perfect for this type of role now.

      The Devil’s Advocate

      It may be a touch cliché to feature a law firm led by Satan, but that's the premise drawn from the source novel, The Devil’s Advocate (by Andrew Neiderman), subsequently adapted into a film by Taylor Hackford. Reeves stars as an ambitious lawyer who lands a job at a prestigious firm but soon begins to suspect that there is something more sinister about his boss while his wife experiences terrifying visions.

      The film is dark, moody, and atmospheric, yet it leans into histrionics. This is largely due to the heightened direction and performances, particularly Pacino's grandstanding. While there are moments when Reeves may be overshadowed, he still manages to deliver a solid performance.

      Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey

      In Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, the titular characters return after passing their school report but are struggling to transform into the band destined to save the world. To complicate matters, evil robot versions of Bill and Ted kill them and send them to hell. Reeves, as Ted (Theodore Logan), along with his best friend Bill (Alex Winter), confronts the devil and plays the Grim Reaper in a series of games to reclaim their lives.

      Although not quite as good as Excellent Adventure, Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey is still far from worthless. Reeves and Winters make a fantastic duo, and William Sadler shines as the Reaper. It's a delightful adventure through hell and heaven, culminating in their ultimate battle against their robotic counterparts and the maniacal Joss Ackland. The soundtrack is also outstanding.

      The Matrix Sequels

      The sequels to The Matrix—Reloaded, Revolutions, and Resurrections—further explored the biblical themes introduced in the original film. Reeves portrays a messianic figure who confront