My quick rating - 4.7/10. This sequel attempts to reignite the beloved franchise by delving into the darker, folklore-heavy corners of the Hellboy universe. Set in the 1950s Appalachian wilderness, the story finds Hellboy and a rookie BPRD agent battling a coven of witches and their enigmatic leader, the Crooked Man—a figure with ties to Hellboy’s infernal lineage. While the film does succeed in creating a moody, atmospheric setting that feels ripped from a gothic horror comic, it struggles to live up to the franchise’s legacy. The absence of Ron Perlman as Hellboy is deeply felt. His replacement Jack Kesy, though capable, lacks the commanding presence and wit that Perlman brought to the role, leaving the film feeling somewhat hollow. The Crooked Man (Martin Bassindale) as a villain is underwhelming, both in concept and execution. Rather than being a terrifying, layered antagonist, he feels like a watered-down caricature, devoid of the menace needed to carry the film. The action scenes provide some sparks of excitement, but they are few and far between, making it difficult to stay engaged. The film’s most significant shortcoming is its lack of the bite and boldness that made earlier entries in the franchise so memorable. Gone are the robust characters, rich lore, and sharp humor that defined the series. Instead, what remains is a diluted attempt at supernatural horror that leans heavily on its visual style but fails to deliver in terms of story or character depth. It isn’t a total misfire—its Appalachian setting and folklore-inspired premise had potential, and there are moments that briefly capture the eerie magic of its source material. However, the uninspired villain, uneven pacing, and lack of a compelling Hellboy ultimately leave it feeling like a shadow of what it could have been.
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