Movie Review
"Hellboy: The Crooked Man" marks a new chapter in the Hellboy franchise, directed by Brian Taylor and starring Jack Kesy as the titular character. This film endeavors to stay true to its comic book origins, specifically adapting Mike Mignola's three-issue miniseries "The Crooked Man." With a modest budget estimated around $20-25 million, the movie seeks to deliver a faithful and fresh take on the beloved character.
Set in the late 1950s, the story follows Hellboy as he teams up with rookie BPRD agent Bobbie Jo Song, portrayed by Adeline Rudolph. Stranded in rural Appalachia, they encounter a community tormented by witches led by the Crooked Man, a demonic entity connected to Hellboy's past. The desolate woods of the Appalachian Mountains provide a unique, folk-horror atmosphere that sets this film apart from previous adaptations.
One of the standout aspects is the film's dedication to the source material. Co-written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden, the screenplay strives to capture the essence of the comics. The cast and crew focused on remaining faithful to the original work, consciously avoiding influences from earlier Hellboy films. This commitment results in a movie that feels like a direct translation from comic book pages to the screen, which is sure to please longtime fans.
Jack Kesy's portrayal of Hellboy brings a fresh yet familiar energy to the character. His performance has drawn comparisons to the grit of actors like Mickey Rourke and Robert Davi, adding a rugged edge to the role. However, some viewers feel that the character of Bobbie Jo Song is underutilized, adding little to the overall plot despite being a new addition. Supporting cast members such as Jefferson White as Tom Ferrell and Martin Bassindale as the Crooked Man contribute to the narrative but sometimes lack depth.
Brian Taylor's direction introduces a blend of early John Carpenter's tone and style, particularly noticeable in the film's second act. While this approach adds a nostalgic touch, Taylor's reliance on certain visual techniques, like smeary fish-eye lenses, may not appeal to all audiences. The film strips away much of the fantastical spectacle seen in previous Hellboy movies, opting instead for a more grounded, intimate folk-horror experience.
The reception to "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" has been mixed. Some critics praise its faithfulness to the comics and the darker, more atmospheric setting. Others, however, criticize the film's uneven pacing and the clumsy execution of its first half. Early reviews suggest that while the second half picks up momentum, delivering the gnarly and gruesome action that fans anticipate, the initial segments may leave viewers wanting more.
The film's release strategy is somewhat unconventional, with plans to bypass a wide theatrical release in favor of digital platforms. Set for a VOD release on October 7, 2024, there remains the possibility of a limited theatrical run. This decision reflects the producers' focus on reaching dedicated fans directly, though it may limit the film's exposure to a broader audience.
Overall, "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" appears to be a mixed bag. Its dedication to the source material is commendable and will likely resonate with hardcore fans of the comics. Jack Kesy's performance adds a new dimension to Hellboy, providing a highlight in the film. However, the execution suffers from uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters, potentially diminishing its appeal to general audiences.
For those intrigued by a more intimate, folk-horror take on the Hellboy universe, this film offers a fresh perspective. It embraces the darker elements of the source material, providing a unique experience compared to its predecessors. Yet, for viewers seeking the grandiose spectacle of earlier adaptations, this installment may fall short.
Early audience ratings suggest a moderate reception, with some appreciating the film's authenticity and others expressing disappointment in its shortcomings. As reviews continue to emerge, platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb will provide a broader spectrum of opinions.
"Hellboy: The Crooked Man" is a bold attempt to realign the franchise with its roots. While it may not fully succeed in capturing the magic of the comics, it offers enough to engage dedicated fans and introduces an atmospheric setting that distinguishes it within the series.
Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024) – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" about? "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" is the second reboot of the Hellboy franchise, directed by Brian Taylor. The film adapts Mike Mignola's three-issue miniseries "The Crooked Man," setting the story in the late 1950s Appalachian Mountains. It follows Hellboy, portrayed by Jack Kesy, who teams up with rookie BPRD agent Bobbie Jo Song, played by Adeline Rudolph. Together, they confront a community haunted by witches led by the demonic Crooked Man, who has ties to Hellboy's past.
2. Who stars in "Hellboy: The Crooked Man"? Jack Kesy takes on the role of Hellboy, bringing a gritty and intense portrayal to the character. Adeline Rudolph plays Bobbie Jo Song, the rookie BPRD agent. The supporting cast includes Jefferson White as Tom Ferrell and Martin Bassindale as the Crooked Man, among others, each adding depth to the narrative.
3. How faithful is the movie to the original comics? The film is highly dedicated to its source material. Co-written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden, the screenplay endeavors to capture the essence of the original comics. The production team consciously avoided influences from previous Hellboy adaptations, aiming for a direct translation of the comic book pages to the screen. This approach has been praised by fans who appreciate the film's authenticity to the original series.
4. Who is directing "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" and what is his background? Brian Taylor directs the film, known for his work on action-packed movies like "Crank" and "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance." His direction in "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" incorporates elements of early John Carpenter's tone and style, particularly evident in the film's second act. While some critics admire his nostalgic approach, others feel his reliance on specific visual techniques, such as smeary fish-eye lenses, may not appeal to all viewers.
5. How is Hellboy's character portrayed in this movie? Jack Kesy's portrayal of Hellboy has been widely praised for its fresh yet familiar take. His performance brings a gritty edge to the character, drawing comparisons to actors like Mickey Rourke and Robert Davi. Kesy's intense portrayal adds a rugged dimension to Hellboy, aligning well with the film's darker and more grounded narrative.
6. What is the setting of "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" and how does it influence the story? The film is set in the desolate woods of the Appalachian Mountains during the late 1950s, providing a unique folk-horror atmosphere. This setting adds a grounded and intimate feel to the supernatural elements of the story, distinguishing it from previous Hellboy adaptations that featured more fantastical landscapes. The rural Appalachian backdrop plays a crucial role in building the film's eerie and haunting mood.
7. How has "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" been received by critics and audiences? Reception has been mixed. While many praise the film's faithfulness to the comics and Jack Kesy's compelling performance, others criticize its uneven pacing and the underdevelopment of certain characters, particularly in the first half. Early reviews highlight the movie's strong second act, which ramps up the tension and delivers the gruesome, frantic action fans expect. Overall, it holds an average score on Metacritic and a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
8. Where can I watch "Hellboy: The Crooked Man"? "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" is set for a Video on Demand (VOD) release on October 7, 2024. While the primary distribution will be through digital platforms, there is still a possibility of a limited theatrical release. To stay updated on viewing options, you can check platforms like Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb closer to the release date.
9. What makes "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" different from previous Hellboy movies? This installment distinguishes itself by adopting a more grounded and intimate folk-horror approach, stripping away much of the fantastical spectacle seen in earlier films. The focus on a specific time period and location, along with a dedication to faithfully adapting the comics, gives it a unique flavor. Additionally, the collaboration with Mike Mignola on the screenplay ensures that the film remains true to the original vision of the Hellboy universe.
10. Are there any notable supporting characters in the film? Yes, the supporting cast includes Jefferson White as Tom Ferrell, who adds depth to the narrative, and Martin Bassindale as the Crooked Man, the primary antagonist. Adeline Rudolph's character, Bobbie Jo Song, serves as the rookie BPRD agent, though some reviews suggest her role feels somewhat underutilized. These characters contribute to the film's overall story, though their development varies among audiences.
11. What are the strengths and weaknesses of "Hellboy: The Crooked Man"? The film's strengths lie in its faithful adaptation of the source material, Jack Kesy's strong performance, and the unique folk-horror setting. Critics and fans appreciate the movie's authenticity and the fresh take on Hellboy. However, weaknesses include uneven pacing, particularly in the first half, and the underdevelopment of certain characters. Brian Taylor's directorial choices, such as the use of smeary fish-eye lenses, have also received mixed feedback.
12. How does the film handle the supernatural elements of the story? "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" integrates supernatural elements within a grounded and atmospheric setting. The demonic Crooked Man and the haunted community of witches are portrayed with a folk-horror aesthetic, emphasizing mood and tension over overt fantastical effects. This approach creates a more intimate and eerie experience, aligning with the film's overall dark and moody tone.
13. Is "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" suitable for new viewers or mainly for longtime fans? While the film offers a respectful continuation of the Hellboy saga that longtime fans will appreciate, its dedication to the source material and specific narrative choices may resonate more with those familiar with the comics. General audiences might still enjoy the film, especially those who appreciate folk-horror elements and superhero stories, but some may find its uneven execution more pronounced if they are not already invested in the Hellboy universe.
14. What is the overall rating of "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" based on internet reviews? Based on early internet reviews, "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" has received a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating from audiences. This rating reflects a balanced view, appreciating the film's faithfulness and strong performances while acknowledging its uneven pacing and character development issues.
15. Will "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" lead to more films in the franchise? While there is no official confirmation yet, the film's performance and reception could influence future projects within the Hellboy franchise. If "Hellboy: The Crooked Man" succeeds in resonating with both fans and general audiences, it may pave the way for further adaptations that continue to explore the rich lore of the Hellboy universe.
For more detailed information and updates, you can visit Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb as the release date approaches.
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