Hellboy and the superheroes of the 2000s
In the early 2000s, Hollywood made some serious proposals in terms of superhero films. You just have to see this sequence X-Men (2000), Spiderman (2002), Blade 2 (2002) e X-Men 2 (2003). Surprising and original works, very different from what is done today in this genre. To this list, let’s not forget Hell boy (2004)the first adaptation of Mike Mignola’s comics produced by Guillermo del Toro. After proposing the violent Blade 2the Mexican director remained in a superheroic universe dark and fascinatingadding his distinctive touch that we know well.
The film begins in 1944, during World War II, when Rasputin attempts to open a portal to bring a demon to Earth. An attempt foiled by the American army and a young scientist named Trevor Bruttenholm, an occult specialist. Except that a creature still manages to exit this portal, a little red being with a tail and a stone hand that Bruttenholm adopts and calls Hellboy.
The sequel therefore takes place in the 2000s. Hellboy has grown up and together carries out missions for the BPRD (Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense).Abe Sapiens. Except the demon doesn’t have much of a temper and will make life hell for John Myers, a new recruit responsible for taking care of Hellboy. Furthermore, the red hero continues to think Lisa Sherman, a woman who struggles to control her pyrokinetic abilities and who has decided to be institutionalized. This routine hanging by a thread will be interrupted by the resurrection of Rasputin from his disciples…
No Hellboy without Ron Perlman
Although Hell boy it’s not perfect, and this is its sequel Hellboy II: The Cursed Golden Legions (2008) is far superior to it, this first work remains an exciting proposition, and stands out in the superhero genre. Guillermo del Toro features a lot of them strange creatures, even terrifying, like Kroenen, the faithful Rasputin who hides a ravaged body under his Nazi suit. The director’s humor also works well, as well the emotion that his characters arouse. A result that we owe in part to the casting, starting with Ron Perlmannwho seems to have been born to play Hellboy.
The actor with the imposing build and voice is a devotee of Guillermo del Toro (Chrono, Blade 2, Pacific Rim, Alley of nightmares). However, the director was not far from having to do without him. Because the producers had thought of it first vin Dieselwhich he had just continued Black as pitch (2000), Fast & Furious (2001) e xXx (2002). The star was much more identifiable than Ron Perlman, and so she seemed like a good choice to play the lead role in this superhero film. Two other names had also been circulating, those of Nicolas Cage and Dwayne Johnson. But Guillermo del Toro and Mike Mignola both wanted to make Ron Perlman the famous red demon, and they managed to impose their choice, and Vin Diesel turned to The Chronicles of Riddick (2004) instead.
In addition to Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair and Rupert Evans are also very convincing, as well Douglas Jones who hides behind Abe’s costume. Unfortunately, Hell boy it didn’t have the success it deserved, with nearly $100 million grossed worldwide for a budget estimated at $66 million. Luckily, this mixed score didn’t wow Dark Horse Entertainment who let Guillermo del Toro pitch a sublime sequel which was a little more profitable.
Source: Cine Serie
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