Hellboy: The Crooked Man - A New Reboot
Hellboy The Crooked Man Review
Introduction
The Hellboy franchise is back again with Hellboy: The
Crooked Man, though fans still eagerly await Guillermo del Toro's third Hellboy
movie. This reboot, however, is directed by Brian Taylor, known for films such
as Crank, Gamer, and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. So, how does this new
take on Hellboy measure up?
Plot Synopsis: Hellboy in the 1950s
The story takes place in the 1950s, where Hellboy and a
rookie are tasked with transporting a mysterious cargo—an evil spider that can
morph from large to small. The spider escapes, leading them to a secluded
church in the middle of nowhere, where they must contend with witches, magic,
and other eerie forces.
Initial Reactions to the Trailer
When the trailer first dropped, many anticipated a
complete disaster. However, surprisingly, there are moments in the film that
are enjoyable. The atmosphere and tone are reminiscent of a horror film, which
fits well with the Hellboy universe. For those familiar with Hellboy comics,
the adaptation retains the feeling of being rooted in a comic book, though it
occasionally leans into horror elements.
Atmosphere and Tone: A Creepy October Release
The film manages to capture a creepy, October-style
release vibe, and the score plays into that mood. Even though the musical score
feels stock at times, the atmosphere still successfully delivers the eerie,
supernatural tone the film was aiming for.
Hellboy: A Character That Shines
Hellboy, as a character, remains a highlight. There's
something compelling about a demon who fights on the side of good, an eternal
underdog in the battle against evil. Ron Perlman is widely regarded as the best
live-action Hellboy, but this new actor does a commendable job portraying the
character.
A Smaller Scale Comic Book Arc
This film feels like a smaller, more personal comic
book arc rather than a grand, world-ending event. While that can be refreshing,
the execution leaves something to be desired. For fans of intimate storytelling
in comic book films, this might appeal, but it still needs to be done well to
leave an impact.
A Ham Sandwich Budget
The movie reportedly had a budget of $220 million, yet
it feels like it was made with far less. There are several points where the
filmmakers know how to work around their limitations, especially in the
handling of magic lore. Transformation scenes, for example, cut away at key
moments to avoid expensive CGI, which is a clever choice in today's CGI-heavy
era.
However, not all CGI escapes criticism. Hellboy's tail,
for instance, feels poorly integrated, appearing floaty and detached from the
character. The film also takes place in minimal locations—a church, woods, and
a mine—which helps maintain the budget but makes the period setting feel
underdeveloped.
Feels Like a Fan Film
Unfortunately, despite its best efforts, the film comes
across as a fan project, something you'd expect to see for free on YouTube
rather than as a full-priced feature on Amazon Prime. The cinematography feels
amateurish, like it was shot on a DSLR used for YouTube videos. This visual
quality detracts from the movie's overall polish and makes it hard to justify
its status as a full-fledged feature film.
Two Distinct Halves: From Horror to Boredom
The movie essentially splits into two different
experiences. The first half, set in the church, contains witch lore, evil
threats, and an eerie vibe, reminiscent of Tales from the Crypt and Demon
Knight. Unfortunately, the second half loses steam, devolving into a slow,
drawn-out experience that feels unnecessary.
This transition is disappointing, as the first half
feels like it could have stood on its own as a solid fan film. Instead, the
extended runtime feels like padding, making the movie feel like a failed TV
pilot stretched into a full-length film.
Comic Book Accuracy vs. Engagement
Though some might argue the film is comic book
accurate, the narrative pace still drags. There are personal moments involving
Hellboy and his mother, but these don't do much to salvage the film's second
half.
Final Thoughts: Watch Half, Then Stop
Ultimately, Hellboy: The Crooked Man feels like a
project with potential that never quite delivers. For fans looking for a
Halloween horror flick, the first half of the movie is worth watching for its
atmosphere and tone. After that, it's better to switch to something else.
So, how is your Halloween movie binge going? What have
you been watching? Feel free to share in the comments below!
Summery
Hellboy: The Crooked Man is a new reboot directed by
Brian Taylor, set in the 1950s. Hellboy and a rookie face off against witches
and magic while transporting a shape-shifting evil spider. The film's
atmosphere captures a creepy, horror vibe, and Hellboy remains a compelling character.
However, it suffers from budget constraints, with amateurish visuals and
inconsistent CGI. The first half delivers an eerie tone reminiscent of a fan
film, but the second half drags, making the movie feel stretched. Overall, it's
an enjoyable Halloween watch for its first half, but falls short of
expectations in the end.
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