A Comic Book Adaptation That almost got it.

Rating: 4/10 (4 April 2004)

I am a fan of the Hellboy comic books because of Mike Mignola's unique art style. So knowing more than the average movie goer doesn't necessarily mean I know better. I went to see Hellboy the Movie with no higher expectation because the movie is a different medium than the comic book medium. No rocket science, eh.
PRODUCTION: Top notch. The environment is inviting and the scenery fits the theme of Hellboy. CGI effects is good enough but not as great as the LOTR epic. The Hellboy costume is close however in the comic books Hellboy as hooves in the movie he wears boots that fits human feet (not a big deal).
CAST: Ron Pearlman can only play character roles. Remember Quest For Fire? Beauty and the Beast? Well, Pearlman carries Hellboy well and adds more character. John Hurt excellent choice.
DIRECTOR: Not a fan of Del Toro. The pacing and rhythm of the story lags in some parts and tries too hard to be cute and "human" to help Hellboy be believable.
STORY/PLOT: Without spoiling the movie's story itself for those who haven't seen it... Let me tell you it weakens in the end because the character of the villain wasn't interesting enough. Like the comic book, Mignola's weakness is character building and creating interesting villains-- it's the same in the movie.
BOTTOMLINE: I looked at my watch four times during the movie regardless that it had a great idea that never really made it across. Hellboy has a need to belong and be like a human being and it ends up preaching about humanity and the being of being humane. Hellboy is competing with Jesus in that area (regarding to the Passion Of the Christ) where he suffers quite a bit in this movie, too. Well, go see it but don't expect a Hell of a lot and buy the bucket size popcorn and softdrink to keep you busy.
4 out of 10