re:mote voices

Title: Hellboy
Cast: Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair, Rupert Evans, Karel Roden, Jeffrey Tambor, Doug Jones, Brian Steele, Ladislav Beran, Biddy Hodson
Director: Guillermo del Toro

Hellboy is the main creation by Mike Mignola, having done a variety of work for various people before concentrating on his work as published by Dark Horse. As a company Dark Horse have a strong relationship with Hollywood, having done the comic adaptations and spin offs of Alien, Predator, Terminator and the like; as well as picking up the Star Wars franchise in recent years. In turn, a number of the works originally printed by Dark Horse, have gone the other way. Probably most obviously with The Mask, and more regrettably Barb Wire, and then there is the forthcoming Sin City.

A long with that the release of Hellboy comes during a stream of comic adaptations, like Spider-Man 2, Catwoman, and the soon to be released remake of The Punisher. For some reason Hellboy was released in some places in May of this year, while being delayer till September in the UK, though it did gain a level of promotion at the same time as the release of Spider-Man 2.

The series of Hellboy books stems from a recurring combination of nazism and the occult. Which is where the origins of the character come from - the nazis planning to summon a demonic host to end the war in favour of the Germans. Anticipating the actions, American troops struck, seizing the resulting baby demon and raising him as their primary force against the occult. Which is equally the launch point for this film directed by Guillermo Del Toro; who has previous comic book experience in the shape of Blade II, as well as his own films like The Devil's Backbone, Mimic and Kronos.

The film sees the return of the forces who summoned Hellboy through in the first place. Determined to complete their original plan and bring chaos demons through to earth. With the American paranormal defence group led in the field by Hellboy trying to stop them. With the group fleshed out by the pyro-kinetic Liz Sherman and aquatic Abe Sabien, who have both become core characters in the comics.

Part of me may be reluctant to say so, but I think it probably is fair to say that Guillermo Del Toro surpasses the original material. The three supernatural and core characters seem more fleshed out on screen than on paper, which tends to be the reverse of the history of adaptations. Of course the casting is something to do with that, but the writing/characterization is obviously a factor. Again the special effects/design team are key in bringing the non-human aspects of characters to life; as well as building up the film into a big screen effects heavy action film.

Hellboy is undoubtedly filled with comic book references and is effects dependant. But while some films fail to be the sum of their parts, Hellboy works. - the characters, plot and effects come together to provide a film, instead of a showcase for the latest unconvincing CGI system.