The trailer for "Hellboy" makes it look like a run-of-the-mill, special-effects-laden action movie. But great performances from its cast, along with a serviceable script and a genuinely interesting plot, make the finished product much more than that.
True, it's necessary to abandon all pretense of realism before seeing this film. But once you do that, a plot involving Nazis, Satan, a superintelligent fish-man and a bright red demon child doesn't seem all that farfetched.
Ron Perlman, as the lead character, plays his part with obvious zeal, cracking one-liners and adding a real personality to the role. He's nearly unrecognizable with head-to-toe red makeup, a giant stone hand and the remnants of two horns on his head, but once he gets going, his presence is unmistakable.
The aforementioned fish-man, played by Doug Jones and voiced by David Hyde Pierce, is also a treat. My only problem is that he isn't used enough. His intellectualism complements Hellboy's bravado nicely, but he pretty much disappears for the second half of the film.
Selma Blair, as a pyrokinetic and Hellboy's love interest, and the rest of the cast turn in fine performances as well. The movie is just about the right length, and it held my interest throughout.
Again, though, if you're one of those people who can't stand "unrealistic" movies, you might want to steer clear. By the end, the fact that Hellboy seldom reloads his gun, even though it holds only six bullets, will be the least of your problems.
Reach the reporter at noah.austin@asu.edu.
