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Running Time: 99 Minutes
Certification: 15
Starring: Jack Kesy, Jefferson White, Adeline Rudolph, Martin Bassindale, Leah McNamara, Hannah Margetson, Joseph Marcell, Carola Colombo
Created by Mike Mignola, Hellboy has remained one of Dark Horse Comics' most popular characters since his first appearance in 1993. His popularity only gone from strength to strength with appearances in many video games, books, and feature films. The most popular remains Guillermo del Toro's two features, with fans still clamouring for the trilogy to reach its conclusion, while the 2019 reboot also exists. In an attempt to take the character back to his roots, Hellboy: The Crooked Man adapts the well-regarded story of the same name for the red figure's third cinematic incarnation.
Set in 1959, the film opens onboard a train where cargo is being transported by Hellboy (Jack Kesy) and rookie paranormal researcher Jo Song (Adeline Rudolph). The cargo just happens to be a deadly arachnid, which results in the situation worsening when the arachnid gets loose and grows larger. The ensuing chaos leaves the agents stranded in rural Appalachia, where a small community is haunted by witches. It is up to Hellboy and his allies to hunt down the source of this evil, known as The Crooked Man (Martin Bassindale), who has a troubling connection to Hellboy's past.
With a script co-written by creator Mike Mignola, this incarnation of Hellboy sets itself apart from its cinematic predecessors by taking a different approach. While the previous blockbusters offered grand adventures, this work opts for a more horror-focused mood piece, something that ideally allows for character work and tension to build across the runtime. It is a decent idea in theory, however it is one that the execution unfortunately cannot match.
Taking on the directorial reins is Brian Taylor, who has shown his energetic direction in his solo work (TV's Happy!, 2017's Mom and Dad), and when paired with Mark Neveldine (the Crank films, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.) Considering the madcap energy that can be found in his features, Taylor feels like a bizarre fit for this work considering how lifeless it feels. Even as the film's second half delivers more action set-pieces, few stylistic choices and drab locations leave this feeling rather uninspired. It is also a work troubled by unfortunate visual effects, taking viewers out of the film whenever these noticeable effects jar with the physical presences on-screen.
When it comes to the titular hero, an interesting approach is adopted as Hellboy is treated like a quasi-celebrity. People that he meets mention seeing him photographed in-front of the United Nations, and reading his origin story in a magazine, allowing the demon to be welcomed more openly. Taking on the gun-toting demon is Jack Kesy, following in the footsteps of Ron Perlman and David Harbour to bring alive a version of the character that must confront his troubled parentage. While the previous actors made their portrayals feel entirely their own, Kesy unfortunately struggles to make his iteration feel distinctive as he is saddled with delivering dire quips in ways too self-serious to work.
When it comes to Hellboy: The Crooked Man, the elements are here for a pared down take on the character, yet the execution lets things down. It may wear the skin of a tale about troubled parent/child relationships, yet lacks the beating heart to make such themes resonate. At least this is better than 2019's dire reboot.
Icon Film Distribution presents Hellboy: The Crooked Man in UK Cinemas now
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