The Crooked Man: A Surprisingly Enjoyable Hellboy Adventure
It’s safe to say that most Hellboy fans probably had their expectations firmly in check with The Crooked Man. Between the fact that it carries a far lower budget than its predecessors and that it’s skipping a theatrical release and going direct to video-on-demand, it’s easy to assume the worst from the fourth live-action Hellboy movie. That’s what makes this reboot/prequel such a welcome surprise. Despite its undeniably cheap trappings, it’s a surprisingly enjoyable take on a classic comic book storyline.
A Faithful Adaptation
Directed by Brian Taylor, The Crooked Man has the distinction of being the most faithful Hellboy movie to date. It’s a direct adaptation of Mike Mignola and Richard Corben’s 2008 miniseries of the same name, in which Hellboy is drawn into the Appalachian backcountry in search of the titular demonic foe in 1959.
Additions for Depth
For the most part, the added allusions to Hellboy’s origins and dark nature help put some meat on the story’s bones. The addition of Bobbie Jo Song, a new creation of Mignola, Golden, and Taylor’s screenplay, adds a tense dynamic to the film.
Gripping Performances
Jack Kesy delivers exactly what you’d want out of a comics-accurate Hellboy. He’s stoic and brooding, with just enough of a tender side to remind us of the character’s tragic nature. Leah McNamara’s villainous witch Effie Kolb is another highlight among the cast, with McNamara never wasting an opportunity to chew all the scenery she can get her teeth around.
Shortcomings in Production
However, the film’s budget constraints are evident in the rudimentary CGI and bland cinematography. The Appalachian setting fails to create the intended atmosphere of beauty and oppressiveness. While the film provides a lean, mean supernatural adventure in the vein of the Evil Dead movies, it lacks the fear factor.
Conclusion
Despite its shortcomings, The Crooked Man manages to be a fun and entertaining Hellboy adventure. It could have been much worse and is a surprisingly enjoyable addition to the Hellboy movie series.