A Great Adaptation of an Original Comic

Rating: Null/10 (5 April 2004)

In reading some of the reviews of "Hellboy" here, I think a lot of people are missing the point of the film.
Story: Towards the end of WWII, the Nazis look to the occult to try and turn the tide of war. With the help of Rasputin they summon forth a demon who is the personification of evil, and the key to destroying all of mankind, so that evil may rule all. Fortunately, allied forces and a paranormal scientist intercept the demon baby and dub him "Hellboy." In the present day, Hellboy is a tough, wisecracking superhero who goes around fighting evil and monsters of all types. He is aided by his adopted scientist father, the FBI, and two other mutant-like characters. Those responsible for summoning Hellboy, return to finish their attempt to conquer mankind. Only Hellboy possesses the tools to save us.
The film does a great job of balancing the doom and gloom with light-hearted humor and wit. The story unfolds evenly giving the audience enough information to understand what's going on, but keeping the suspense growing at the same time. The action is exciting, and the effects both audio and visual serve to underscore the feel of the comic book setting. You don't get very much back story on Hellboy, much the same as the comic, but that adds to the intrigue of the character. If you are a fan of comic books, and/or unconventional superheros, you will enjoy this movie.
Writer/director Guillermo del Toro has quite affectionately adapted Mike Mignola's very original comic book. The story, simply put, is about faith, love and the battle between good vs. evil. Or, in this case, evil vs. evil-er. It is the humanity of the main character that makes him heroic. We all have flaws, but it is the choices we make, and how we treat each other that truly define us.