Pleasant surprise

Rating: 7/10 (22 October 2004)

The trailer for Hellboy didn't set my pulse raising. I rejected it as rubbish before I'd even given it a chance. But when I went out with some friends and ended up seeing the film, I got a rather pleasant surprise: Hellboy actually has something to it. Red is quite a character, and in a weird, simple way he's very charming - more so, at least, than some of the dire action heroes we see around. The plot has drive, if it does occasionally stagger, and there is a supporting cast strong enough to be at least vaguely memorable. I've heard a lot of people moan about the dialogue, and true, it is often uninspired, but it certainly beats the Matrix Reloaded: 'No.' 'Why?' 'The problem is the choice.' That is to say, I didn't expect much more from this, but from The Matrix Reloaded I expected far more.
If for no other reason, you should see Hellboy because it's damned exciting! With this kind of film, that's what matters. Hellboy fits the bill and if you've ever liked this sort of thing, you'll like Hellboy too. 7 out of 10.