There were several things that worried me about "Hellboy" before I went to see it:

1. With most of it's projects, Revolution Studios continues to redefine the word "crap."
2. It's based on a cult-favorite comic book that I had never read before.
3. The trailer looked very corny and rather dumb.

After viewing it, though, I can say this: it is corny, but it's never over the top and embarrassing. You don't have to be familiar with the comic to "get it." And, surprisingly, it does not redefine the word "crap."

The movie's plot is actually strong and interesting: in 1944, Hitler, desperate to win World War II starts a project that involves an advisor of his to open a portal into Hell and summon demons to help him crush the world. Just as the portal is opened, allied soldiers attack, killing the Nazis and closing the portal. After a sweep of the area, they discover that something has, indeed, gotten through the portal: a red, vicious baby demon. The soldiers plan to shot it, but paranormal advisor Professor Bruttenholm wants it alive. He offers it candy, and the little creature immediately warms up to him. The American soldiers name him "Hellboy."

60 years later, Hellboy (Ron Perlman) works for the FBI in a secret division that combats paranormal creatures around the globe. Despite his age, Hellboy still has the mentality of a young man. He eats a lot, watches lots of TV, doesn't care for working, and is constantly making wisecracks. He's even grounded by his Bruttenholm (John Hurt), who became his adoptive father after his capture. Soon, Hellboy and the rest of the team have to face the same evil that tried to destroy the world 60 years ago.

My favorite thing about "Hellboy" is the cast of characters. You will not find better heroes and villains in many films. Hellboy is 6 foot 5, bright red, has a right arm made of stone, and he has a tail. Despite being a "freak," Hellboy wants to fit in. He even cut off his horns and sands them regularly to keep them from growing back. While on the surface, the character is a wisecracking superhero with amazing strength and a huge gun, he's actually far more complex. He only wants to be human, to be a person. The underlying themes of the movie include acceptance and the true meaning of humanity. He's not just another hero, he's a "monster" who loves and feels, resents his origins, and fights for a cause he believes in. No one other than Ron Perlman could have played this role. Encased in mountains of make-up, Perlman really becomes Hellboy. Certain touches he adds to the character, certain quirks, makes it all the more wonderful. I've loved Perlman for years, and I hope this will break new ground for him and let him continue to take bigger roles. And to think Revolution Studios wanted Vin Diesel for the role (Writer Director Guillermo Del Toro threatened to quit if they cast him).

The other heroes include Abe Sapien, a fish-man with psychic powers, Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) a woman who can conjure fire from nowhere, and John Myers (Jeffrey Tambor), an agent hired as Hellboy's babysitter, a normal guy caught up in a strange situation.

The villains are also very creative. The leader is Rasputin, who, according to your history book, was a Russian advisor in the early 1900s who claimed to have special powers. He was murdered brutally. Hmmm...now he's back. Then there's a nasty beast with title of "Hound of Hell" that comes back to life as two creatures whenever it is killed. The best villain, a fellow named Kronen. Dressed in black, and always wearing a gas mask, he's a masochistic self torturer who has mummified himself to live forever and is a Nazi assassin (yes, you read that properly).

With characters like that, who needs a story? That's almost the case with "Hellboy." The story is great, but the storytelling is pretty thin. I can't help but wonder if that is the point. Director Del Toro, a self-described comic book geek, makes the movie play like a comic rather than a film. This may sound strange, but it's extremely effective. In comics, visuals tell a story. Same here. Striking imagery and sets tell "Hellboy's" story. The characters interact with these environments, and a story is made.

The same goes for the visual effects. Working on a budget small than most films of this type, Del Toro, rather than create what seems like "real-life" monsters, creates fantasy monsters. Monsters that would only appear in a comic book, not a movie. The action follows suit. It's fast, crazy, and will often pause for a funny wisecrack by Hellboy. There is a lot of great action in the film, but it really comes alive during the dramatic scenes.

As written above, Hellboy only wants to fit in. He's in love with Liz Sherman, but is afraid that she can never love him back because of his looks. The best scenes in the film involve Hellboy and her, or him thinking about her. Another great scene involves a conversation between Hellboy and a little kid on the roof of a building. It's a funny and somewhat touching moment.

At this time, I'll give kudos to the make-up department. When Oscar season rolls around, I expect these people to have shiny gold statues in their hands. Perlman is encased from head to toe in make-up, but it doesn't look fake or cheesy. You can still see him act through it. It never hides his features, but just presents them in a different way. The same goes for fish man Abe Sapien, also in full body make-up.

If you haven't guessed by now, this is a very positive review. "Hellboy" is highly recommended. It has soul, unlike "The Hulk." It has the same humanity of "Spider-Man." It has the action of "X-Men." Most important of all, it establishes itself as a character to be reckoned with.

© Written by Jacob Hall

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - D+ Richard Propes - C Jacob Hall - B+

TC Candler's Comment

Supremely forgettable.

Richard Propes' Comment

n/a