Hellboy Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)April 9th, 2004
"Hellboy" - Justice Served
by Homer Yen
(c) 2004
"Hellboy" may be mostly eye candy. But there's a certain level of dedication from the filmmakers that helps this offering get more mileage than it probably should. You certainly feel it when you see it, whether it's the beautifully envisioned snowy landscapes, the revivalist decor of the secret government facilities, or the foreboding catacombs. And the characters of the virtually indestructible "Hellboy" (Ron Perlman) and his aquatic and psychic companion, Abe Sapien (Doug Jones), are inspired efforts in make-up and imagination. I believe we have new frontrunners for the coolest costume design when Halloween time comes.
The opening sequence takes us back to late-WWII as Nazi's fashion a desperate attempt to open a portal to another dimension, hoping to coax to our world several Gods of Chaos. The US forces intervene and, for the most part, manage to foil their plan. Fast forward to the present day and what we learn is that a devilish little creature was captured at the site of the portal. It has been tucked away at a secret facility within the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, a sprawling place of research laboratories.
Hellboy has now grown up into an unseen superhero. His unique qualities provide him with tremendous strength and resolve. The way he speaks in that master-of-the-universe tone, the way he incessantly chomps his cigar, and the way he approaches every mission with a cavalier recklessness makes him into a formidable crimefighter. He seems to have learned his craft from the Bruce Willis School for Tough Guys.
But filmgoers nowadays don't care all that much about a person that's all brawn. It's nice to know that there is a softer side to this muscleman. He actually has an issue about fitting in. In fact, he uses a high-powered sander to shave his horns down to their stumps. This angle, however, feels somewhat artificial, as many of us, I believe, would rather be more like Hellboy. After all, who wouldn't want to achieve his mythical status?
More poignant is his deep sense of loneliness as he constantly yearns for his old flame, Liz Sherman (Selma Blair). The term 'flame' is appropriate, as she is a special kind of being that erupts and shoots forth fire when she gets excited. These two, we quickly discern, are made for each other. There is a great scene as the two embrace each other in a heated kiss. Both become engulfed in blue flames. And, of course, Hellboy, as we learn, is impervious to fire.
The film is a bonanza of special effects, computer-animated artistry, and costume design. You can easily feel a sense of comic book liveliness. Normally, that is not enough to merit a recommendation. But, there's an undeniable beauty to this film that assuaged my concern about it being a bit weak in story. As far as how fun it was to watch, it's more interesting than "Men in Black," but it's less fun than "X-Men." "Hellboy" is certainly more of a technical achievement than a storytelling achievement. But it should be applauded for its unwavering intent to bring to life the dark universe in which it exists and the eccentric and bizarre characters that inhabit it.
Grade: B-
S: 0 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3
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