Cinematic Point Of View

When I first watched the trailer for Hellboy: The Crooked Man, I thought I knew what I was in for. Low budget production. Unknown actors. Not so special FX.

I had very low expectations.

Funny how expectations can make a difference, because I I came away really enjoying this movie. Actually, I think I kinda love it.

What’s it about?

Hellboy and a rookie B.P.R.D. agent in the 1950s are sent to the Appalachians, where they discover a remote community dominated by witches and led by the sinister local demon, the Crooked Man.

Presentation-wise, there are moments that come across a bit like a half-baked Canadian TV pilot, but in a good way. (Probably don’t put that quote on the box art) There is a real sense of “hurry up and shoot it” to the story, but that’s okay. The comics move at a fair clip, too.

I was a never the biggest fan of the Guillermo del Toro Hellboy movies. I thought Ron Perlman was great and the overall productions were beautiful. I just never found myself going back to them. They always felt like a bunch of chaotic noise. Overcooked in some way. Great performances but something always felt off.

Years later, I picked up some of the Hellboy comics and was surprised to see how they played out. They have a way different vibe than those first two movies. The comics are more in the vein of the X-Files or Supernatural, than The Avengers.

And, for all it’s faults and limitations, and there are many, I think that’s what really endeared me to Hellboy: The Crooked Man. It feels like reading the comic book.

The real world locations they used were beautiful. Stunning really. The lighting was stylish, cinematic, and spooky. It perfectly suits the “Southern Witchcraft” thing going on. I haven’t come across so many thick, campy southern accents since maybe Pumpkinhead. It’s tongue in cheek for sure, but I always was a big fan of Pumpkinhead.

Some of the special effects are less than you’ve come to expect for the Hellboy films, but for the most part, I thought they were well done.

There is a tremendous amount of impressive wire work in this movie. Floating demons abound. It gave me some of those old Evil Dead 2 feelings. Simple tricks done well.

Now that I’m more familiar with the Hellboy comics, I have to say that while I really like Ron Perlman, Jack Kesy‘s take on Hellboy might be my favorite. He’s simple. He’s ordinary. He’s tough. It’s more inline with how the character feels in the comic.

Honestly, there were times I felt like Jack was simply doing a low-key Mickey Rourke impersonation which is kinda brilliant. I’d love to ask him.

I came to really appreciate the supporting cast as I got a feel for what this film was like. Jefferson White as Tom Ferrell and Adeline Rudolph as Bobbie Jo Song had some nice chemistry with our Hellboy. Would love to see more adventures with Hellboy and Bobbie Jo.

Joseph Marcell as Reverend Watts was great. He really chewed up the scenery as did Martin Bassindale as The Crooked Man.

In the end, I think there was something truly refreshing about watching Hellboy come across as more of an everyman versus the superhero that’s presented in other on screen versions. The script itself was a bit one-note but again that’s okay. This story is more a “slice-of-life” with emphasis on the slices taking a life or two.

So am I recommending this movie? Yes, I am. It won’t be for everyone.

I believe comic fans will really enjoy it, and if you can overlook some of its budget-related flaws, you’ll find a fresh and interesting take on a great character.

I know it hasn’t been well received, so this team will likely never get another shot at working together, but maybe a cult following will gather and help crowdfund a sequel.

That would be nice.

I also read that the opening credits were put together by the director on his home computer because they ran out of money. I admire that. I’ve worked on low budget and no budget films. They are a labor of love. You can tell there was a lot of love put into this production.

I hope this team gets the chance to give birth again with a bigger budget.