MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’ – A Devilish Delight?
The latest comic-book reboot, ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man,’ has hit cinemas, and Daily Record digs deeper to discover if this devilish tale is a delight or a disappointment. The film, directed by Brian Taylor, seemed to emerge out of nowhere with little fanfare, featuring a budget-friendly production and a relatively unknown cast.
Fans were initially sceptical about this new adaptation, but with the blessing of Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, who also co-wrote the film, there was hope for a faithful portrayal of the iconic character. Starring Jack Kesy as Hellboy and Jefferson White as Tom Ferrell, the movie aimed to capture the essence of the demonic hero.
Compared to the previous reboot in 2019, ‘The Crooked Man’ shows improvement, offering a more ensemble-based narrative that includes compelling performances from actors like Adeline Rudolph, Jefferson White, and Joseph Marcell. The villains, portrayed by Martin Bassindale and Leah McNamara, deliver chilling and memorable performances.
Set in the 1950s and devoid of modern technology, the film creates a haunting and suspenseful atmosphere that enhances the storytelling. Director Taylor masterfully captures moments of body horror and builds tension effectively throughout the narrative.
While ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’ shows promise for future instalments, the film is not without its flaws. The budget limitations are evident in some of the visual effects, and the lead actor, Jack Kesy, falls short in capturing the presence and charisma of previous Hellboy incarnations.
Despite its shortcomings, the movie sets the stage for a potentially intriguing continuation of Hellboy’s story. With a more generous budget and refined performances, the franchise could reach new heights in the future. ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’ is currently playing in cinemas for audiences to judge its devilish delights themselves.
Share your thoughts on the Hellboy franchise and which adaptation is your favourite by emailing me at ian.bunting@reachplc.com. Your comments and recommendations might be featured for your fellow readers to enjoy. Stay tuned for more news and reviews from Lanarkshire.
*The original article was restructured to offer a clear analysis of the film ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’ and its potential for future storytelling opportunities.