Review of Hellboy (2004) by Jim G — 17 Jan 2011

This is just so much fun in almost every possible way. To me it really captures the ingenuity and imagination that makes me love movies so much. Though I'm sure some of it stems from the ideas and story of the comics, Guillermo del Toro just gets so many things right.

Not only are the characters all lovable and completely awesome, but the entire look and design of the film is just entirely awe-inspiring. Then, of course, you have Ron Pearlman at the center as Hellboy, who just owns the entire movie with his enormous charm and casual demeanor in the face of such revolting enemies.

I love del Toro's conceptualization of the creatures and the fact that he uses so much of the real creature effects/makeup. I also find the irony of the character just so endearing, the fact that he is hellspawn but fights for the good of humanity is just such a cool concept.

To me it truly captures that theme of the misunderstood superhero that so many comics use, in a way that feels very genuine.