Review of Hellboy (2004) by Jay L — 10 Dec 2010

Guillermo Del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, Blade 2) helms this ultra visual and very smart comic book adaptation. Hellboy is astonishing visually, Del Toro's use of color and motion is nothing short of stunning. His visual style was exactly what this intense comic book story needed to bring it to life. It's complete optical overload in parts, and you bet it's a thrilling and entertaining joyride. Action-packed and tense, Hellboy goes way back to an older style of storytelling, it's impressively crafted and very effective in getting it's point across. Along with visuals are the mind-blowingly realistic creature effects that Del Toro and company have a knack for doing brilliantly. It's funny as well, it has something for everyone.

Ron Perlman gives a brilliant performance as Hellboy, he steals the show in this one. John Hurt and Selma Blair are excellent as well. Another great comic book adaptation brought to the big screen that provides the laughs, the action, the thrills, and also a highly visual mind trip that provides spectacular entertainment.