Hellboy: The Crooked Man – A Struggle to Bring Comic Accuracy to the Screen
By August Tales Comics
Hellboy: The Crooked Man is the latest attempt to bring Mike Mignola’s beloved comic series to life. However, despite its promising premise, the film struggles to fully capture the eerie magic of the original story. August Tales Comics takes a closer look at where it succeeds and where it falls short.
Directed by Brian Taylor, this movie is based on the three-issue miniseries Hellboy: The Crooked Man, part of Mignola’s larger Hellboy universe. As the fourth live-action adaptation and sixth film overall, The Crooked Man tries to stay faithful to the comics, right down to replicating iconic dialogue. But while it maintains some loyalty to the source material, it introduces new characters like B.P.R.D. agent Bobbie Jo Song, a notable deviation from the original storyline.
The Plot: Nostalgia Meets Horror
Hellboy and Agent Bobbie Jo Song find themselves in the Appalachian backwoods, investigating sinister occurrences in a cursed, rural community. Their adversary? The Crooked Man, a local demon with deep ties to the town’s dark history.
For long-time fans, the film’s adherence to the comic’s storyline offers some comfort. However, it stumbles in pacing, relying heavily on exposition rather than allowing the visual storytelling to shine as in the comics. Newcomers may feel bogged down by moments where the film spells out the narrative rather than letting the horror naturally unfold.
The Horror Factor: Classic or Cliché?
While The Crooked Man aims to craft a haunting atmosphere, the result is uneven. The film leans too much on predictable jump-scares and body horror, falling short of the genuine terror Mignola’s comics evoke.
The intention is clear—to replicate the disturbing tone of the original material—but the execution lacks the subtle tension fans hoped for. Although the script is serviceable, the clunky transitions between scenes and over-explained dialogue often undercut the sense of dread the film tries to build.
Is Low Budget the Silent Villain?
One of the film’s most noticeable drawbacks is its limited budget, which hampers the visual experience. The CGI, while ambitious, lacks polish and becomes more of a distraction as the film progresses. The action sequences, especially in the second half, reveal the limitations of the production, taking viewers out of the story rather than drawing them deeper into Hellboy’s world.
The film also suffers from poor lighting and uninspired cinematography. Coupled with a generic soundtrack, the technical shortcomings detract from what could have been a much more atmospheric horror experience.
Performances: The Film’s Saving Grace
Despite the film’s flaws, the cast delivers solid performances that help carry the story. Jack Kesy steps into Hellboy’s shoes and manages to capture the character’s complexity, bringing depth to his portrayal. Adeline Rudolph and Jefferson White also stand out, delivering performances that rise above the film’s budgetary constraints.
However, even the strong acting can’t fully overcome the film’s technical missteps. While the cast puts in a valiant effort, the lack of visual and narrative cohesion ultimately undermines their work.
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
Hellboy: The Crooked Man had the potential to be a faithful and thrilling adaptation of Mignola’s work, but it falls short in execution. Though longtime Hellboy fans may appreciate its adherence to the original comic, the film’s pacing issues, budget limitations, and uneven tone make it difficult to recommend to newcomers.
In the end, the movie feels more like an ambitious fan film rather than a polished, high-budget production. Its earnest performances and dedication to comic accuracy can’t fully compensate for its technical shortcomings. While the film hit Video-On-Demand in the U.S. on October 8, 2024, and is playing in theaters worldwide, it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression beyond the core Hellboy fanbase.
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