"There really are things that go 'bump' in the night. We 'bump' back!"

Rating: Null/10 (15 December 2004)

"Hellboy" is another in the recent series of comic book superheros turned movie superheros. Although I am not a reader of 'Hellboy' comics, it appears that the movie is very faithful to the comic book, and joins other such movies a "Spiderman 1 and 2" and 'X-Men 1 and 2" as excellent, action-filled entertainment. Ron Perlman has been a superb choice for the role of Hellboy, and as the DVD 'extras' show, it took about 4 hours each shooting day to apply the makeup. In fact, the 2.5 hour 'making of' feature, which is delivered in 40 chapters, is one of the more comprehensive I have seen, and will be greatly appreciated by all 'Hellboy' fans. The great British actor John Hurt becomes Trevor 'Broom' Bruttenholm, who raises Hellboy and becomes his father. The other character of note is Liz Sherman played by Selma Blair. Hellboy has affection for Liz, and this sets up a key scene near the end. Good movie, mostly well-done special effects.
SPOILERS FOLLOW, be warned if you continue reading. The story starts in 1944 in Scotland, the evil guys are trying to destroy the Earth, create a portal which is quickly destroyed by Dr. Bruttenholm and gang, but not before something travels from the 'darkside.' It is a red baby with a tail which they lure with a candy bar, and eventually raise to be Hellboy, fighter of evil in present time, for the secret agency that 'bumps back' to those which go bump in the night. Hellboy is super strong, from his heritage is not harmed by fire or electrical shock, and appears to be indestructible. The evil guys are back to try again to destroy the Earth, Hellboy must stop them. Lots of action in many different places, in the climax Hellboy has to make a choice to save Liz, he begins to go over to the dark side, his horns grow to full length, but his pal reminds him, "You have a choice, your father gave it to you", which could also be interpreted as the choice God gives us. Hellboy snaps off his horns, destroys the evil guys, the movie ends with Hellboy and Liz together.