Hellboy (B- or 2.5/4 stars)
Based from popular graphic novels by Mike Mignola, 'Hellboy' (written & directed by Guillermo Del Toro) tells the tale of a demon (Ron Perlman, of the 80's cult TV series, Beauty & the Beast), raised as an American after being sent to Earth by the Nazis. Though he's a clear outsider (practically an abhorrence), Hellboy grows up to become a 'lone hero'; the best defender against the forces of darkness. Ron Perlman, superb make-up, & stylish special effects save this movie.
Scotland, 1944: a team of Nazis attempt to recruit some alien monsters to aid Hitler's failing cause in World War II. But things don't go as planned. And instead of the 7 Gods of Chaos coming to Hitler's rescue ... a red baby creature pass through their portal. This demon is found & nurtured by Professor Bruttenholm. And it's this professor (played by John Hurt in elder years) who hones Hellboy's skills; allowing him (in adulthood) to be a secret agent for the FBI's Bureau of Paranormal Research & Defense. All very XMen-like, Hellboy is joined by other 'good' demons such as Abe Sapien (Doug Jones, and voiced by David Hyde Pierce), an intelligent, amphibious, web-fingered creature ... and Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), a sort-of fire starter. Blue fire shoots from her hands.
Prof. Bruttenholm & Hellboy are on the outs. So young up-&-coming Agent John Myers (Rupert Evans) is called to look after Hellboy for a while; as a sort of babysitter, if you may. So now, Hellboy has several problems to deal with. Firstly, he's not speaking to his 'dad' (Bruttenholm). Secondly, Hellboy's jealous of Agent Myers because it appears that he's moving in on his girl, Liz Sherman. And thirdly, Grigori Rasputin (who attempted to summon the 7 Gods of Chaos in the first place) is back to wreak havoc again. And this time, it's with the help of a zombie-like assassin named Kroenen. Having made a pact with the dark gods (get them to Earth, and they'll grant him immortality & evil powers), Rasputin aims to persuade Hellboy to come to the dark side. If that fails, the plan is to kill him.
This is obviously a completely ridiculous plot. I am reminded of Van Helsing; however, 'this' movie is infinitely superior. I quite enjoyed Ron Perlman as Hellboy, as he has several endearing ticks. I mean, sure, he can slaughter monsters like the best of 'em. But he also shows weaknesses. I like his devotion to his father. I like how he smokes cigars constantly. I like his attitude. And I love how he's afraid to tell Liz that he loves her. His hesitancy in many situations makes him all the more human (even when we know he's not). Also impressive about 'Hellboy' is its use of make-up. Perlman is painted red from head-to-toe. Yet you'd never believe he was anything but a true demon. Abe Sapien, & the other hideous monsters are similarly impressive. Gruesomely impressive.
'Hellboy' does have a few hiccups, though. My understanding of the story (even now) is a bit muddled. Some of the action sequences aren't as impressive as one's I've seen in other comic book movies. And a good deal of the supporting cast is bland. All of the human villains are boring. Although I enjoyed the chemistry btwn. beautiful Selma Blair & Ron Perlman in their last scene together, she left a small impression with me. John Hurt's role is completely unchallenging. And Rupert Evans makes for a very forgettable Agent. But when all is said & done, I commend Guillermo Del Toro for going after this project wholeheartedly. His film's 'look' is moody, gothic, and rich beyond words. For a comic book adaptation, 'Hellboy' strikes an emotional chord we're not used to. And I'm eagerly anticipating what I hope is an even better sequel in the future.
Scotland, 1944: a team of Nazis attempt to recruit some alien monsters to aid Hitler's failing cause in World War II. But things don't go as planned. And instead of the 7 Gods of Chaos coming to Hitler's rescue ... a red baby creature pass through their portal. This demon is found & nurtured by Professor Bruttenholm. And it's this professor (played by John Hurt in elder years) who hones Hellboy's skills; allowing him (in adulthood) to be a secret agent for the FBI's Bureau of Paranormal Research & Defense. All very XMen-like, Hellboy is joined by other 'good' demons such as Abe Sapien (Doug Jones, and voiced by David Hyde Pierce), an intelligent, amphibious, web-fingered creature ... and Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), a sort-of fire starter. Blue fire shoots from her hands.
Prof. Bruttenholm & Hellboy are on the outs. So young up-&-coming Agent John Myers (Rupert Evans) is called to look after Hellboy for a while; as a sort of babysitter, if you may. So now, Hellboy has several problems to deal with. Firstly, he's not speaking to his 'dad' (Bruttenholm). Secondly, Hellboy's jealous of Agent Myers because it appears that he's moving in on his girl, Liz Sherman. And thirdly, Grigori Rasputin (who attempted to summon the 7 Gods of Chaos in the first place) is back to wreak havoc again. And this time, it's with the help of a zombie-like assassin named Kroenen. Having made a pact with the dark gods (get them to Earth, and they'll grant him immortality & evil powers), Rasputin aims to persuade Hellboy to come to the dark side. If that fails, the plan is to kill him.
This is obviously a completely ridiculous plot. I am reminded of Van Helsing; however, 'this' movie is infinitely superior. I quite enjoyed Ron Perlman as Hellboy, as he has several endearing ticks. I mean, sure, he can slaughter monsters like the best of 'em. But he also shows weaknesses. I like his devotion to his father. I like how he smokes cigars constantly. I like his attitude. And I love how he's afraid to tell Liz that he loves her. His hesitancy in many situations makes him all the more human (even when we know he's not). Also impressive about 'Hellboy' is its use of make-up. Perlman is painted red from head-to-toe. Yet you'd never believe he was anything but a true demon. Abe Sapien, & the other hideous monsters are similarly impressive. Gruesomely impressive.
'Hellboy' does have a few hiccups, though. My understanding of the story (even now) is a bit muddled. Some of the action sequences aren't as impressive as one's I've seen in other comic book movies. And a good deal of the supporting cast is bland. All of the human villains are boring. Although I enjoyed the chemistry btwn. beautiful Selma Blair & Ron Perlman in their last scene together, she left a small impression with me. John Hurt's role is completely unchallenging. And Rupert Evans makes for a very forgettable Agent. But when all is said & done, I commend Guillermo Del Toro for going after this project wholeheartedly. His film's 'look' is moody, gothic, and rich beyond words. For a comic book adaptation, 'Hellboy' strikes an emotional chord we're not used to. And I'm eagerly anticipating what I hope is an even better sequel in the future.