It entertained and what more can you ask

Rating: 8/10 (2 April 2004)

I knew nothing of Hellboy, let me say that first. I like comic books and used to collect them. I love movies. So when a comic book is made into a movie, I get excited and can't wait to see it and then usually end up with something like the first Punisher movie (Dolph Lundgren) or other movies where the director/writer/actor "reinvent" the character and such to the point that it is really not like the comic at all and they forget to add some action.
Even knowing nothing of Hellboy, my son wanted to see it so we went. I understood what was going on and the characters right away. I would like to have had more info about Hellboy's powers, so to speak, but it was not a problem. Just as in a good comic, you understand the character's motivation and desire, who is good and who is evil (thankfully use of the Nazi's helps that a bit) and how it will likely end (after all, you always knew they were not going to kill Superman or Spiderman but that did not make the story any less fun). No boring backstory, unneeded love stories or special effects for the sake of special effects.
My 12 year old son really enjoyed the movie and thought it was great. Although we had the usual group of rude/loud people in the theater, I cannot hold that against the film and I have no problems recommending it. To me, Spiderman (the movie) is a 10. Daredevil was about a 5. X-men 2 was an 8. Hopefully that gives you an idea of how I see things so you can make your own decision.