Review of Hellboy (2019) by Compi24 — 15 Apr 2019

2019 hasn't seen a clearer example of a studio botch job than Neil Marshall's "Hellboy." From frame one, you're assaulted by this unflinchingly aggressive scent of a studio trying to differentiate its newest product from an older version.

"Hey, NERDS! Remember those **** Guillermo Del Toro 'Hellboy' movies that you all HATED?! WELL, GET A LOAD OF THISSSSSSSS," the movie screams at you as you watch helplessly in your seat, now reduced to a fiery crater from the sheer volume of it all.

Now, I was never a slobbering fan of the original adaptations, but I guess all it took was one woefully dull and haphazard attempt to top them for me to fully appreciate what Del Toro was trying to do with the character back in the mid-2000's.

There was a nuanced caginess to the interpretation of the character, almost a profound sadness that resonated throughout the entire film, ultimately making for a feel that was unique, sardonic, and -- most importantly -- cool.

Now, where there was once sadness, there is anger. Where there was once sardonicism, there is now camera-winking punniness. And where there was once nuance, there is now some poor bastard getting his skin ripped off his face.

This is a loud, ugly, and poorly put together film, with just a few glimmers of competency: David Harbour's performance, some of the production design, and a couple of entertaining action scenes. Other than these things, though, it's gonna' be a no from me, dawg.