My brief Hellboy review
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My brief Hellboy review
I went to an advance screening of the movie on Tuesday night. I expected most of the audience to be fans of the comics, but there were a number of people (i.e. most of the audience, in fact) that hadn't been exposed to the comics, which surprised me. I've been looking forward to the movie for some time, being a fan of the comics, and Mike Mignola (Hellboy's creator) in general.
To make a long story short, I think Hellboy is one of the best action comic translations to date; I'd say it's easily as good as X2 or Spider-Man (although I like the character more, so I actually enjoyed it a smidgen more than either of those movies). It's no Ghost World, but you don't go to a movie like Hellboy expecting it to be
I had a few problems with minor points that could use explanation, and a somewhat unfulfilling ending, but other than that, I was very pleased with it--I was worried that the one-liners that were tossed off in the trailer would come across as cheesy or forced, but they are perfectly in character (as in the comics); Ron Perlman IS Hellboy, and is fantastic. John Hurt and Jeffrey Tambor also give great performances. I initially had problems with Selma Blair's portrayal, but by the end, warmed up to her character (no pun intended). She came across as a little disconnected at first (her character is quite damaged emotionally, however), and I took it as just a less-than inspired performance. I knew what was expected of her, but the first few lines still came across as a little wooden.
My little brother went as well, and although he hadn't been exposed to the comics, he enjoyed it as well (something that's obviously going to be crucial to the film's success or failure). He took issue with some of the pacing and the lack of explanation about one rather key thing (which I'll put in spoiler tags below), but overall, enjoyed the movie a lot. The audience seemed to get into it, laughing at the appropriate moments and gasping when they should. I didn't hear anyone grumbling as we left the theater, which is always a good sign (I typically catch at least a few people who didn't like the movie as I leave).
Definitely go check this movie out; I know the trailers made it look like an X-Men knockoff (or, god forbid, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), but it really is a great action movie; the action sequences are frequent and well-choreographed, and the humor doesn't come off as forced as it would be in the hands of a less talented director (be forewarned that there is a lot of levity in the movie, mostly in the form of Hellboy's one-liners ... but this is in keeping with the tone of the character and the comics). I think GDT and company also got away with a LOT for a PG-13 movie, mostly in the form of security guard / miscellaneous authority figures being mauled, and a bit of "alien gore" for lack of a better description, so bringing small kids might be questionable, although a well-balanced 8 or 10 year old would revel in the carnage, I would think.
SPOILERS:
To make a long story short, I think Hellboy is one of the best action comic translations to date; I'd say it's easily as good as X2 or Spider-Man (although I like the character more, so I actually enjoyed it a smidgen more than either of those movies). It's no Ghost World, but you don't go to a movie like Hellboy expecting it to be
I had a few problems with minor points that could use explanation, and a somewhat unfulfilling ending, but other than that, I was very pleased with it--I was worried that the one-liners that were tossed off in the trailer would come across as cheesy or forced, but they are perfectly in character (as in the comics); Ron Perlman IS Hellboy, and is fantastic. John Hurt and Jeffrey Tambor also give great performances. I initially had problems with Selma Blair's portrayal, but by the end, warmed up to her character (no pun intended). She came across as a little disconnected at first (her character is quite damaged emotionally, however), and I took it as just a less-than inspired performance. I knew what was expected of her, but the first few lines still came across as a little wooden.
My little brother went as well, and although he hadn't been exposed to the comics, he enjoyed it as well (something that's obviously going to be crucial to the film's success or failure). He took issue with some of the pacing and the lack of explanation about one rather key thing (which I'll put in spoiler tags below), but overall, enjoyed the movie a lot. The audience seemed to get into it, laughing at the appropriate moments and gasping when they should. I didn't hear anyone grumbling as we left the theater, which is always a good sign (I typically catch at least a few people who didn't like the movie as I leave).
Definitely go check this movie out; I know the trailers made it look like an X-Men knockoff (or, god forbid, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), but it really is a great action movie; the action sequences are frequent and well-choreographed, and the humor doesn't come off as forced as it would be in the hands of a less talented director (be forewarned that there is a lot of levity in the movie, mostly in the form of Hellboy's one-liners ... but this is in keeping with the tone of the character and the comics). I think GDT and company also got away with a LOT for a PG-13 movie, mostly in the form of security guard / miscellaneous authority figures being mauled, and a bit of "alien gore" for lack of a better description, so bringing small kids might be questionable, although a well-balanced 8 or 10 year old would revel in the carnage, I would think.
SPOILERS:
Spoiler:
#2
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I'm really looking forward to this one - Guillermo del Toro is one of my favorite directors, and it will be interesting to see him reunited with Ron Perlman, who was in his earliest film Cronos.
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Spoiler:
Spoiler:
I enjoyed hellboy both times I have seen it so far. I'm even thinking of going to see it again on friday. Been a reader of the comics and it was a good translation. I already knew a lot could not be transfered without some major issues coming up, but the blend that del toro tossed in of his own style mixed with MM's was really good.
As for box office numbers. I'm not expecting it to do great. The marketing looks like part of X2 and part of LXG. Especially without it being a mainstream comic book and without a big named star at the helm it's not looking for a blockbuster type of return.
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I haven't been watching TV much, is this getting a lot of promotion? Is there much buzz among the general public? CHUD.com has been covering this very heavily and since I visit there regularly I don't trust my radar on this.
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The difference between Hellboy and Blade is that Blade had a relatively big name as the star (Wesley Snipes).
I'd be surprised if Hellboy did more than $100mil domestic.
I'd be surprised if Hellboy did more than $100mil domestic.
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I know Im looking forward to seeing it. I like when they do less mainstream comics, and altough LXG was disappointing, I think this will be better. I have to say this is one of the few comics I havent read so I dont know alot of the background or have anything to compare it to. Still looking forward to it, gives me hope that the Hellblazer movie (constantine) will be good (although with Keanu Reeves as Constantine I just dont know), and that a Transmet movie may be down the line.
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Originally posted by the aftermath
The difference between Hellboy and Blade is that Blade had a relatively big name as the star (Wesley Snipes).
I'd be surprised if Hellboy did more than $100mil domestic.
The difference between Hellboy and Blade is that Blade had a relatively big name as the star (Wesley Snipes).
I'd be surprised if Hellboy did more than $100mil domestic.
#10
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I think reviews help a movie a lot nowadays (in the world of the internet). People pay attention to reviews and word of mouth. This film has been getting pretty good early reviews and word of mouth. The trailers will certainly appeal to their core audience (fans of the comic and 13-25 year olds).
I think the movie has a good chance of making good money, but I don't expect it to do as well as X-men or Spiderman.
I think the movie has a good chance of making good money, but I don't expect it to do as well as X-men or Spiderman.
#13
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While I am glad to see Hellboy is faithful to the comic, I honestly feel this is one case where being faithful will boost it's appeal as not many mainstreamers are familiar with the comic. Afterall, it is a cult following at best.
That said, I hope to see this sometime this weekend.
That said, I hope to see this sometime this weekend.
#14
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Re: My brief Hellboy review
Originally posted by profbobo
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
Originally posted by profbobo
Spoiler:
Originally posted by profbobo
Spoiler:
Originally posted by profbobo
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
I loved The Hulk, and I think Hellboy is the best comic book movie since The Hulk, and on par with Spider-Man. I liked it more than both X-Men films. I've seen it twice already and I'm definitely seeing it tomorrow after work.
Last edited by Supermallet; 04-01-04 at 08:10 PM.
#17
Re: Re: My brief Hellboy review
Originally posted by Suprmallet
I loved The Hulk, and I think Hellboy is the best comic book movie since The Hulk, and on par with Spider-Man. I liked it more than both X-Men films. I've seen it twice already and I'm definitely seeing it tomorrow after work.
I loved The Hulk, and I think Hellboy is the best comic book movie since The Hulk, and on par with Spider-Man. I liked it more than both X-Men films. I've seen it twice already and I'm definitely seeing it tomorrow after work.
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http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/02/mo...ner=ALTAVISTA1
Glowing review from the Times My paper of choice, natch ... I missed Janet Maslin when she left, but Elvis Mitchell is doing a great job.
Edit: Jack, above comment was directed at PopcornTreeCt You just posted before I did ...
Glowing review from the Times My paper of choice, natch ... I missed Janet Maslin when she left, but Elvis Mitchell is doing a great job.
Edit: Jack, above comment was directed at PopcornTreeCt You just posted before I did ...
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Elvis Mitchell does a fine job on The Treatment
The thing I liked most about Hellboy was the way Perlman takes hellboy and brings him to life so perfectly. It mixes a good blend of comic book and reality to boost out something that is true to it's roots and works in reality. Simply loved it. Picked up a hellboy figure today.
The thing I liked most about Hellboy was the way Perlman takes hellboy and brings him to life so perfectly. It mixes a good blend of comic book and reality to boost out something that is true to it's roots and works in reality. Simply loved it. Picked up a hellboy figure today.
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Originally posted by Jackskeleton
Elvis Mitchell does a fine job on The Treatment
The thing I liked most about Hellboy was the way Perlman takes hellboy and brings him to life so perfectly. It mixes a good blend of comic book and reality to boost out something that is true to it's roots and works in reality. Simply loved it. Picked up a hellboy figure today.
Elvis Mitchell does a fine job on The Treatment
The thing I liked most about Hellboy was the way Perlman takes hellboy and brings him to life so perfectly. It mixes a good blend of comic book and reality to boost out something that is true to it's roots and works in reality. Simply loved it. Picked up a hellboy figure today.
I've gotten the black suit and trenchcoated Hellboys, Sammel, and an 18" figure from Tower (comes with full horns and "battle damage" ... very impressive looking figure).
I've got pics online:
http://www.messikan.com/gallery/hellboy
http://www.messikan.com/gallery/toys?page=10
http://www.messikan.com/gallery/toys?page=11
I loves me some toys
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The tower here had like 5 or 6 Horned hellboy exclusive 18''. Not my bag so I passed.
They really did go happy with the previews exclusive stickers in the shipments. I saw plenty of Regular abe's and regular black shirt hellboys with the previews exclusive on them.
They really did go happy with the previews exclusive stickers in the shipments. I saw plenty of Regular abe's and regular black shirt hellboys with the previews exclusive on them.