Hellboy

Columbia Pictures | Release Date: April 2, 2004

7.6	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 739 Ratings

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User Reviews

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grandpajoe6191Sep 29, 2011

Guillermo Del Toro's "Hellboy" isn't exactly a balanced movie; it kinda sides with the friendly side, which results in less action sequences than you think. Nevertheless, its still a visually great film to watch.

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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OfficialNov 14, 2013

"Hellboy", you must admit, is a unique movie that feels like a comic book movie, but it isn't based on it. This movie has energy and is dark and thrilling. The dialogue, however, in the film is pretty bad at times. Overall, after watching"Hellboy", you must admit, is a unique movie that feels like a comic book movie, but it isn't based on it. This movie has energy and is dark and thrilling. The dialogue, however, in the film is pretty bad at times. Overall, after watching this film, I wasn't disappointed with it, but I wasn't very pleased with it either.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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Tss5078Feb 2, 2015

Much like the Punisher, Hellboy was created for the older comic book fans. The character was designed to be an anti-hero, less refined than Batman or Superman, someone who would hate being labeled a superhero. While the comics weren't asMuch like the Punisher, Hellboy was created for the older comic book fans. The character was designed to be an anti-hero, less refined than Batman or Superman, someone who would hate being labeled a superhero. While the comics weren't as popular as others, the film gave life to the franchise and created a cult following. The story is meant to introduce us to the character of Hellboy, a cat loving, cigar smoking, red guy, with a bad attitude, who secretly works for the government protecting The United States from paranormal threats. Everyone knows by now that I hate superheroes, so the idea of the anti-hero really appealed to me. I could have easily become one of the cult followers and fallen for Hellboy, the way all the comic-con kids did, if it wasn't for the uncertain direction of the film. Guillermo Del Toro struggled back and fourth with whether or not this film should be geared for kids or adults, and went the PG-13 route. It worked in terms of getting a larger audience, but it also took away from the original intent of the character. Throughout the film we keep hearing about how tough and dangerous Hellboy is, but he's really wasn't that much of a bad ass. If Hellboy is so unlike any hero, why is he working for government instead of breaking the law, and why is it that he doesn't utter a single curse word? The character was far too toned down for my liking, but the flip-side to that was how nasty and creepy some of the bad guys were. Broom is one of the best comic villains I've ever seen and given his Nazi background, he most certainly was not intended for kids. Overall, I enjoyed parts of the film, I loved Ron Perlman, and as with any film by Guillermo Del Toro, the special effects were amazing. However, the lack of direction makes the film somewhat unfulfilling and anti-climatic. Hopefully that will all change when I get up to Hellboy II.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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MeritCobaJun 14, 2016

When at the end of world war II desperate Nazis succeed to pry open a portal to Hell in yet another attempt of many to stave off total defeat they get interrupted by the American army. Before the door closes again 'something' comes throughWhen at the end of world war II desperate Nazis succeed to pry open a portal to Hell in yet another attempt of many to stave off total defeat they get interrupted by the American army. Before the door closes again 'something' comes through though: the infant devil Hellboy . Even in Hell they have a reproduction.

We fast forward to the 21st century where the suspension of disbelieve is stretched to snapping point when Ron Perlman, playing the now massive Hellboy at the age of fifty is described to be roughly twenty years of age by his 'dad' Professor something, played by an aged John Hurt. Even all the heavy red makeup tossed upon Perlman can't hide that he doesn't.

Hellboy is certainly fun whenever something is done the first time around. Like when Hellboy draws that gigantic handgun of his to fire massive bullets at a creature that comes straight out the Cthulhu mythos. Ah well it is funny several times after that. Or when he slams a car with his oversized right hand to make it spin overhead.

We also have Selma Blair looking cute with her face drawn of color and wrinkles under her eyes, but otherwise her role is solely to be an object of desire. We do get a scene where she actually wipes out some creatures, but besides this token martial act she just walks around to give Perlman something to worry and moan about.

Logic is the first to die in the movie. It doesn't really matter much apparently for the bad guys have no motive besides the desire to destroy the world by arranging access to Earth for the Ancient Ones.. eh make that Lords of Chaos as they are called in this tale. At some point sense is totally abandoned to the four winds as the deadly nazi assassin attempts to slice up Hellboy while the whole idea is to force Hellboy into opening the portal to whatever place them lords are hanging out by threatening to kill his love interest.. So why kill the one you need to open that door? Because it makes for a cool fighting scene.

The movie keeps stuff to a certain entertainment level, but in the end it has shot its bolt. Hellboy is funny for a while and Perlman has a kind of charm that makes you thaw to him, but eventually the movie gets tedious and I am glad it is done . Hellyboy is like the Hulk or any other of those stereotypical hulking marvel comics dudes: as thin as paper.

I heard there might be a third movie planned. I think two is more than enough for me. Hellboy has outlasted it's entertainment value and has nothing else to bring to the table. Next!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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RayzorMooseNov 13, 2013

Hellboy spits fire.
A very unlikely hero from another dimension, amazingly ends up being a pretty solid overall film. A very humanizing tale on and otherwise other worldly creature, and a collection of good action sequences make this moreHellboy spits fire.
A very unlikely hero from another dimension, amazingly ends up being a pretty solid overall film. A very humanizing tale on and otherwise other worldly creature, and a collection of good action sequences make this more than just your average super.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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Epik_NinnjaMay 23, 2015

This movie has some cool action scenes and is surely especially fun to watch for comic book geeks (I had no prior knowledge of Hellboy, though). The story isn't bad, either, but the dialogue isn't the best and, in reality, it just isn't allThis movie has some cool action scenes and is surely especially fun to watch for comic book geeks (I had no prior knowledge of Hellboy, though). The story isn't bad, either, but the dialogue isn't the best and, in reality, it just isn't all that entertaining. I'm saying you should watch this film if you think it looks interesting but you shouldn't expect anything outstanding, just a decent action flick.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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RalfbergsJul 7, 2019

Nothing impressive to me. Was an interesting movie, but quite bland and felt like it could've been much better. Maybe because I watched it now only and it could've been better if watched just when came out.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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TokyochuchuJan 3, 2015

Hellboy is a well designed, visually appealing comic book movie from Guillermo Del Toro. Unfortunately, thin plotting and the lack of any decent action sequences scupper any good intentions. Hellboy is ultimately forgettable super-hero fodder.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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imthenoobJan 25, 2012

I enjoyed the film to a certain point and when I asked myself (at the end) how I managed to sit through this rather stupid film. The entire plot (while interesting at first) was incredibly stupid, Even for comic book movie standards. The mainI enjoyed the film to a certain point and when I asked myself (at the end) how I managed to sit through this rather stupid film. The entire plot (while interesting at first) was incredibly stupid, Even for comic book movie standards. The main cast was good for the most part. Ron Perlman was perfect for Hellboy and was an outstanding lead and the rest of the cast was good except for Karl Roden, He was a terrible villian and ruined the film with his horrible acting imo.

The action was good and it did a good job blending the CGI/Animated sequences with the real life ones. Guillermo del Toro is a great director and Hellboy was a passion project for him but was it wise to make this movie? I cant say yes or no. It was a solid film and worth the watch if you can get through it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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cameronmorewoodNov 12, 2012

It's got some good qualities, but it's got some bad ones too. Hellboy is scattershot, but it delivers the visuals, and everyone who worked the make-up for this comic-book flick deserves a medal, or maybe an Oscar.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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FilipeNetoFeb 20, 2018

This movie is the film adaptation of the comic with the same name, and tells the story of a creature from another dimension, with demonic appearance, which was found by US troops on a special mission in Scotland, designed to neutralize theThis movie is the film adaptation of the comic with the same name, and tells the story of a creature from another dimension, with demonic appearance, which was found by US troops on a special mission in Scotland, designed to neutralize the efforts of German occultists to mobilize magical forces for World War II. With direction and script by Guillermo del Toro's, it has a cast headed by Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair, Karel Roden and Doug Jones.

I was never a fan of films made from comics as it's a kind of film full of graphics normally seen in this kind of literature. For me, film is film, and a comic is a comic. This movie positively surprised me as it moves away from the graphic look of the comic- books, bringing the story to a more realistic scenario. The theme of the story, hanging around the magical and occult, it's also interesting and appealing. An ancient philosopher, who I don't remember the name, said that hell was more appealing than the sky because it's more mysterious, and he had some reason. The script was well thought out, blending action, romance and adventure in perfect doses. The cast also fulfilled well it's role but it wasn't particularly surprising. The special, visual and sound effects are excellent and do a good job, as the scenarios. The soundtrack, despite the good performance, not surprised also. In fact, what is most lacking in this film is precisely the element of surprise. It's a constantly warm film, never robbing us that emotion or shock feeling. Maybe if the script had been thought differently... The highlight of the film, in the end, can be really touching, which is a positive, even though the best time of the entire film.

This film is full of interesting and favorable points, and it's of the few comics-based films that can break free of the stylized look of these magazines. Unfortunately, it lacks a certain amount of surprise, excitement and intensity that just don't pour the film to lose because, even then, is a film that looks good and is entertaining enough for a family audience, although is never hot enough to scald the most demanding audience.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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NickTheCritickApr 19, 2022

Hellboy, a demon catapulted into our dimension by the Nazis in '44, adopted and raised as a son by Broom, is helped by Abe Sapiens, a fish-man of superhuman intellectual faculties, and by the beautiful Liz, pyrokinetic with some difficulty inHellboy, a demon catapulted into our dimension by the Nazis in '44, adopted and raised as a son by Broom, is helped by Abe Sapiens, a fish-man of superhuman intellectual faculties, and by the beautiful Liz, pyrokinetic with some difficulty in self-control. Enemy number 1 is Grigori Rasputin.
Quite simply one of del toro's ugliest films, a film that alternates good things with many many other bad ones.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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