Hellboy: The Crooked Man, directed by the audacious Brian Taylor, brings a unique twist to the action, horror, mystery, and thriller genres that will captivate audiences looking for a spooky dive into 1950s Appalachia. This movie review will not only unravel its thrills but also explore whether it stands tall against the best horror movies of our time.
Picture this: Hellboy and a rookie B.P.R.D. agent are whisked to a remote Appalachian community, only to discover it's a witch haven, ruled by the eerie and enigmatic demon known as the Crooked Man. Sounds like a winner, right? The film's plot is a bewitching cocktail of folklore and tension, leaving you on the edge of your seat. With each frame, the Appalachian wilderness transforms into a character of its own — haunting and majestic.
Jack Kesy steps into Hellboy's shoes, delivering a performance that's both rugged and charismatic, while Jefferson White complements him as the green but fearless B.P.R.D. rookie. The chemistry between them? Electric. Meanwhile, Adeline Rudolph's portrayal as part of the witchy coven adds a mystical charm to the intricate plot. Brian Taylor's direction oscillates between raw terror and intriguing narrative twists, keeping the adrenaline pumping. However, some might argue that the screenplay, co-written by Christopher Golden, Mike Mignola, and Taylor, occasionally stretches the plot too thin, dangling between atmospheric horror and action—without always hitting a perfect balance.
In the crowded halls of horror movies, where does Hellboy's latest adventure fit? If you're a fan of flicks like The Witch or even The Blair Witch Project, with their eerie settings and intense vibes, you'll find yourself at home here. Yet, this film tries to blend action-horror even more ferociously—a feat achieved by films like but rarely seen in recent attempts. So, does it succeed? Mostly—but your mileage may vary when it comes to marrying frenetic action with creepy atmospheric vibes.
If you're chasing down the best action-horror movies or looking for that spine-tingling mystique that only tales of old-world demons can deliver, then dive into Hellboy: The Crooked Man. Whether you're in it for a film critique or simply to lose yourself in supernatural escapades, this movie delivers a rollercoaster of emotions. Is it a cinematic masterpiece? Maybe not. But, if you're adventurous enough, it's a must-watch film for thrills and chills in equal measure!