Liverpool Sound and Vision rating 7/10
Cast: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim, Thomas Haden Church, Mark Stanley, Brian Gleeson, Nadya Keranova, Maria Tepavicharova, Ana Tabakova, Penelope Mitchell, Terry Randal, Mario de la Rossa, Christopher Mata, Atanas Srebrev, Dawn Sherrer, Michael Heath, Alistair Petrie, Rick Warden, Nitin Ganatra, Sophie Okenedo, Marckos Routhwaite, Ilko Iliev, Joel Harlow, Dimiter Banenkin, Vanessa Eichholz, Kristina Klebe, Charles Shannon, Carl Hampe.
Some characters are so defined by the actor portraying them that is a near impossible task for the audience to imagine anyone else in the role, especially in the cinematic world which holds arguably a greater sway on the mind that of the other visual medium of television and certainly in the realm of theatre.
None perhaps offer more to the feeling of iconic that those that are represented within the scope of the comic book adaptations, and for Ron Pearlman’s representation of Hellboy, there might not be any other character that is so visually connected with its creator, and it is unfortunate for David Harbour that this truism is held fast, especially as the reboot of the dark fantasy figure is essentially a damn good shout for a graphic book hero adaptation.
Hellboy’s appeal is obvious, and David Harbour creates a darker, gore filled sarcastic version to Mr. Pearlman’s reading of the character, what perhaps makes the film slightly less convincing is the way in which the realm, albeit fantasy, struggles to persuade the audience member of its intentions, relying on the myth of British history whilst attaching a poorly delivered antagonist, Milla Jovovich, to the proceedings.
A film of such dichotomy is one that leaves the audience feeling unsure of how the franchise might continue, David Harbour’s performance, alongside that of Ian McShane and Sasha Lane brings out the very best and satisfies the curiosity of the fan to the point where the belief can continued, on the other hand if there is nothing more to add that a villain of the peace doesn’t convince in the role, then the question will hang in the air like a bad smell caught in an enclosed space, one that will discourage many from continued investment.
Hellboy is too much of a stimulating character to leave on the side-lines for long, the problem is the hell of production which will leave many concerned, a neat series of touches but one that ultimately is decided by past efforts.
Ian D. Hall