Entertainment at its most complete

Rating: 9/10 (20 August 2004)

The guy who said this was the worst comic book adaptation ever was A: an idiot, B: completely lacking in taste, and C: an idiot. Maybe I'm being harsh, but calling this a worse movie than Superman 4, Batman and Robin, Catwoman, and The Crow: Salvation is just inexcusable.
This movie has Ron Perlman as maybe the single most entertaining, charismatic action hero since Bruce Campbell gave us Ash. Funny, seemingly invincible, terribly vulnerable, and remarkably human, Hellboy carries you through a movie with every element of entertainment. Spectacular visuals, humor, a completely badass gas-mask-clad villain, and convincing relationships that aren't sidelined to overdone action. And possibly the most romantic line ever given to a hero who's just saved the girl.
The themes are treated with, dare I say it, a bit of a heavy hand, but they're important and appropriate for an audience that will include teens and pre-teens. And as far as flat-out, wall-to-wall, grinning to yourself entertainment, this movie is second to none in 2004.