Hellboy

Starring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, John Hurt, Rupert Evans
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Superhero
2004

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: In 1944, the Russian magician Rasputin and a group of NAZIs open a portal to hell and a baby demon slips through. He is raised by the good guys and goes to work for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, protecting those who would destroy the world.

Review:

Tim: Hellboy is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be and sets out to do just that. This film is a fun, hokey, sometimes corny and predictable yet entertaining ride. Director Guillermo del Toro directs a film that pays homage to the comic book source, but doesn't take itself too seriously, either.

I really like the idea of a somewhat disgruntled, working class superhero. I never read the Hellboy comic books, but I appreciate del Toro working so hard to focus the film on the fact that Hellboy is just a working class stiff- something rarely seen in the world of superheroes. Ron Perlman is the perfect choice for Hellboy. I remember hearing that del Toro had to go out on a limb to get him against some criticism. He is a brave and smart man because Perlman really makes the film enjoyable.

I was somewhat disappointed with the rest of the cast. It is a pretty weak overall cast and only Selma Blair is even worth mentioning. I suppose you don't need the best cast ever for this film, but some better support would have made the movie better.

The story is flimsy at best and has a number of plot holes. The film is predictable and somewhat unoriginal in its action sequences and in the big plot for world domination/destruction. However, even when he can foresee what will happen, the movie remains pretty entertaining.

Make no mistake about it, there are worse comic book adaptations out there. Hellboy doesn't have the wide appeal that a Batman or a Spider-Man film has, but it is still an interesting, different look at a superhero. It is somewhat refreshing to see a comic book movie slightly different from the norm.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Batman, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Superman, The Hulk, Daredevil, The Punisher, Blade, Blade II