Hellboy (DVD, 2004, 2-Disc Set, Special Edition)

Based on the comic book series by Mike Mignola, Guillermo del Toro's gleefully eccentric film follows the supernatural adventures of Hellboy (Ron Perlman), a cigar-chomping, horn-filing demonic hero enlisted by an occult scholar (John Hurt) to fight evil in the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense. Along with the fire-throwing Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) and the amphibious psychic Abe Sapien (Doug Jones, with the voice of David Hyde Pierce), Hellboy is joined by new recruit John Myers (Rupert Evans), a squeaky-clean FBI agent assigned to keep the big red devil's exploits in check. Things get out of hand, however, when a vicious monster is unleashed by the villainous Rasputin (Karl Roden), leading to events that may set off an apocalyptic nightmare for humanity. Echoing Peter Jackson's passion for THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, HELLBOY is a labor of love from del Toro, a longtime fan of the comic and its creator. The director's enthusiasm shows, since HELLBOY is a wondrously strange slice of pulpy adventure, mixed with horror and humor, and enhanced by stunning visual effects. In the title role (and lots of red makeup), Perlman is pitch-perfect, giving the good-natured misfit a powerful--yet surprisingly sensitive--presence. Blair, Evans, Hurt, and other actors are similarly well cast, rounding out an ensemble intent on retaining the movie's dark yet superbly entertaining tone.

Based on the popular comic of the same name by Mike Mignola, Hellboy (2004) is everything that's tried and true of the character, not your average Super-Joe. Hellboy is raised by Prof. Trevor "Broom" Bruttenholm, an expert in the occult, after the young demon was summoned out of Hell during WWII. Our hero is initiated in to the Bureau of Paranormal Research and joined by the sophisticated 'Freak' Abe Sapien, and the love of his live, pyrotechnic Liz Sherman.

Nazis, Russian myths, monsters, talking corpses, an undead henchmen filled with sand - just your average day with Hellboy.

I loved the movie itself for the storyline, but more importantly the character's embodiment. Ron Pearlman is the only Hellboy for me, showing us the two faucets of the red guy's personality - he smokes cigars and kicks monster tail, but has a soft spot for cats and old cartoons.

All in all, a great movie that I love, and if you ever get the chance and the time, listen to the actor's commentary track - the funniest one I've heard yet, and I've heard a lot.

5/5

A entertaining action-packed fantasy, beginning in 1944 when the mad monk Rasputin--in cahoots with occult-buff Hitler and his Nazi thugs--opens a transdimensional portal through which a baby demon emerges, capable of destroying the world with his powers. Instead, the aptly named Hellboy is raised by the benevolent Prof. Bloom, founder of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, whose allied forces enlist the adult Hellboy (Ron Perlman, perfectly cast) to battle evil at every turn. While nursing a melancholy love for the comely firestarter Liz. Hellboy files his demonic horns and wreaks havoc on the bad guys. The action is occasionally routine, Hellboy a pop-culture original. He's red as a lobster, puffs stogies like Groucho Marx, and fights the good fight with a kind but troubled heart. What's not to like? Good Movie!

A entertaining action-packed fantasy,where a transdimensional portal through which a baby demon emerges, capable of destroying the world with his powers. Instead, the aptly named Hellboy is raised by the benevolent Prof. Bloom, founder of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, whose allied forces enlist the adult Hellboy to battle evil at every turn. While nursing a melancholy love for the comely firestarter Liz. Hellboy files his demonic horns and wreaks havoc on the bad guys. The action is occasionally routine, Hellboy a pop-culture original. He's red as a lobster, puffs stogies like Groucho Marx, and fights the good fight with a kind but troubled heart. Good Movie!

If you loved the comics you will LOVE the film. Breathtaking visuals and a well thought out fast paced plot. I saw it TWICE at the theaters and I just bought the movie on ebay!

At of World War II, the Nazis attempt to use black magic to help them get a much needed advantage. The Allies raid the camp where the ceremony is taking place, but not before a demon, Hellboy, has already been conjured. Joining the Allied troops, Hellboy eventually grows to adulthood, serving the cause of good rather than evil with a group of equally strange individuals. Heck there is even a love story angle for us sensitive types and seat gripping action for the thrill seeker in all of us!