Hellboy returns to the screens in a new version, this time more faithful to the comic book original by Mike Mignola. Is “Haunted Hills” a successful return of the cult hero, or another Hollywood blunder? We invite you to read our review!
Spis treści
Plot straight from the pages of a comic book
“Hellboy: The Haunted Hills” takes us to picturesque, yet dark Scotland. The Red Devil and two agents of the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense are sent to a small village to investigate the mysterious disappearances. It quickly turns out that ancient evil forces are behind everything, who want to destroy the world of humans. Hellboy must face them with his infernal powers and sharp tongue.
Film Brian Taylor draws handfuls from the comic book original, which will certainly please fans of the series. The plot is faithful to the original, and many scenes have been transferred to the screen practically 1:1. The creators made sure to convey the atmosphere of Mignola’s dark and grotesque stories, full of folklore, magic and monsters.
Jack Kesy as Hellboy
The iconic devil is played by Jack Kesy, known for his roles in such productions as “Deadpool 2” and “The Strain”. Kesy, although he does not have the charisma of Ron Perlman, is doing quite well. His Hellboy is more brutal and wild, closer to the comic book original. The actor manages to capture the specific humor and cynicism of the characters, which is a big plus of the film.
Special effects and atmosphere
Unfortunately, “Haunted Hills” does not impress in terms of technology. The special effects are weak at times and resemble B-class productions. The set design and costumes are also not impressive. The film suffers from a limited budget, which can be seen on the screen.
Fortunately, “Haunted Hills” defends itself with its atmosphere. Scotland’s dark and mysterious atmosphere, combined with folklore and legends, creates a unique atmosphere. The film can scare and intrigue, and some scenes are really strong and memorable.
Is “Hellboy: Haunted Hills” worth watching?
“Hellboy: Haunted Hills” is an uneven film. On the one hand, we are pleased with the faithfulness to the comic book original and the successful creation of Jack Kesy. On the other hand, the production suffers from a low budget and poor special effects. If you’re a fan of Hellboy and Mike Mignola’s comics, it’s definitely worth giving this movie a shot. However, if you’re expecting a Hollywood blockbuster with stunning special effects, you might be disappointed.
Pros and cons of the movie:
Pros:
- Faithfulness to the comic book original
- Atmospheric atmosphere of dark Scotland
- Successful performance by Jack Kesy as Hellboy
- Some scenes are really strong and memorable
Cons:
- Poor special effects
- Poor quality of sets and costumes
- The film is boring at times
Summary
“Hellboy: Haunted Hills” is a film aimed primarily at fans of Mike Mignola’s comics. It is a faithful adaptation of one of the most famous episodes of the series, which delights with its atmosphere and dark atmosphere. Unfortunately, the production suffers from a low budget and poor special effects. Despite this, “Haunted Hills” is an interesting proposition for fans of horror and fantasy who are looking for something different than typical Hollywood blockbusters.
