Born bad, makes good.

Rating: 8/10 (27 March 2005)

Ron Perlman has long been an undersung master of the craft, starting with his big-time debut Quest for Fire. Unfortunately, he's been saddled more than his fir share of lemons (ie Alient: Ressurrection, Blade II). As the sardonic protagonist Hell Boy -- a baby demon raised as a human -- Perlman puts his portrayal over the top with a world of skilled understatement. And John Hurt (Midnight Express, Alien) is in fine form as the supporting lead. Director Guillermo del Toro has razor sharp instincts for both action and pathos. The problem is that horror/sci-fi/supernatural/fantasy is seldom appreciated as a legitimate genre. Hence, this film wasn't nearly as big a hit as it should have been in theaters. It is, nonetheless, a reasonably well scripted tour de force showcase for Ron Perlman, who deserves such an opportunity if anyone does.