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Hellboy

12 April 2019English2h
out of 10
Unfavorablemost critics didn't like it
Monk Score · 5 scored reviews · 1 not rated

Weighted from a 3.8 average · Why?

A gory, cluttered mess that Harbour can't quite save.

Verdict tier Unfavorable, most critics didn't like it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: David Harbour's adequate performance
  • Criticised: Incoherent overcrowded narrative

Audience

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Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 6 critics are saying

Critical reception for Hellboy is largely negative, with most reviewers finding the film plagued by an incoherent, overstuffed narrative that jumps between plot points without clarity or focus. David Harbour's performance receives mild acknowledgment from some critics, though several note he lacks the authority Ron Perlman brought to the role. The film's excessive gore and shock-value approach are repeatedly flagged as substitutes for meaningful storytelling. One reviewer calls it an outright disaster, while even more charitable takes describe it as a fun but superficial ride.

How the 5 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

The Monk Score is weighted from a plain average of 3.8 · how scores work

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 6 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (6)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Firstpost

    Film review ·

    Hellboy needed to settle down and focus; it's what makes the audience invest in the content, but the director goes for the cram-everything-in-the-folder-and-shove-the-folder-down-our-throats approach.
  2. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    David Harbour of Stranger Things does a fine enough job as the brick-red man who emerged from the depths of hell with sawed horns on the forehead, a tail and a metallic hammer-like appendage for an arm.
  3. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    Over populated, largely superficial and gory mayhem...David Harbour's performance lacks the confident stamp of authority that Ron Perlman's did. Even the other main characters don't have smooth enough arcs. The narrative jumps from one plot point to another without acquiring much coherence
  4. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    If Marshall's mere intent was to shock you with excessive gore and expletives, then he manages to do that. It isn't quite enough, especially if you leave the theatre confused about what just happened, due to a ludicrous plot. Despite McShane and Harbour's best efforts, this exhaustive 'end-of-the-world' story is unable to raise as much hell as it should.
  5. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    An unmitigated disaster, may it rot in hell....Director Neil Marshall and star David Harbour take over from Guillermo del Toro and Ron Perlman, only to deliver an utter catastrophe.
  6. The Hindu

    Film review ·

    Hellboy is a strange sometimes comic journey filled with excessive carnage. It's no cinematic marvel but it's still a fun ride.

Credits

Cast & crew

Cast

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