Reformed demon Anung un Rama (Perlman), better known as Hellboy, works at the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, protecting the world from supernatural beasties alongside his firestarting girlfriend Liz (Blair), perceptive fish-man Abe (Jones) and their befuddled manager Tom (Tambor). But their public image is suffering, so they're assigned a new leader, a tetchy whiff of ectoplasm called Johann Krauss (played by Dodd, Alexander and MacFarlane). Meanwhile, a renegade underworld prince (Goss) is about to defy his twin sister (Walton) to take control of the Golden Army and destroy humanity.

While the plot lends itself to pretentious blockbuster hysteria, del Toro keeps things grounded by focussing on the characters and their sardonic banter, plus a general refusal to take things seriously. The BPRD has a distinct Men in Black/Ghostbusters feel, with constant asides and witty effects. And as the story dips into the parallel world, del Toro lets his creativity run wild. The effects are so seamless that we can't tell what's digital and what's rubber. And even though it never quite boils over, the nonstop action keeps us thoroughly entertained, whether it's a blizzard of toothed faeries or a hilarious smack-down in what looks like Star Wars' cantina crossed with Harry Potter's Diagon Alley.

In many ways, it's like del Toro is returning to the same unseen universe he visited in Pan's Labyrinth, populated by beings that combine gothic horror with unexpected dry comedy. But this time it's been invaded by a snarky bunch of federal agents with big guns and offbeat powers. Every set piece is so packed with outrageous creatures and head-spinning action that we're not sure where to look. But it becomes deeply engaging because the characters are so vividly well-played.

Perlman continues to be an inspired presence as the big red guy, sassy and bull-headed, with his preference for knocking things down rather than walking around them. His interaction with the superb Blair and Jones is packed with much more than mere chemistry--these are complex, intriguing relationships that are constantly developing before our eyes. And the addition of the twin prince and princess actually adds depth to the plot, from the tricky moral decisions to a surprising stab of emotion.

themes, violence, some language

25.Jul.08