Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Hellboy: The Crooked Man” (2024) marks a fresh yet familiar addition to the Hellboy cinematic universe. Directed by Brian Taylor and starring Jack Kesy as the iconic Hellboy, the film adapts one of the most beloved storylines from Mike Mignola’s Dark Horse Comics. After the disappointment of the 2019 Hellboy reboot, fans of the comics have been eagerly awaiting a more faithful adaptation. While this film attempts to capture the eerie folk-horror atmosphere of the comics, it doesn’t entirely live up to the high expectations. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and where to watch it online.
Plot Overview
Set in 1959 Appalachia, Hellboy: The Crooked Man revolves around Hellboy (Jack Kesy) teaming up with Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) rookie Bobbie Jo Song (Adeline Rudolph) to face off against a malevolent figure known as The Crooked Man (Martin Bassindale). The plot begins with Hellboy on a routine mission, quickly encountering a giant spider demon, setting the tone for a story filled with witchcraft, demons, and dark folklore.
The film closely follows the tone and spirit of the comic series, making use of its rich folk-horror elements. However, where the original series excelled in balancing these elements with sharp, witty dialogue and gripping action, the film struggles to maintain momentum. Fans of the comics will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail, but casual viewers may find the pacing slow and the atmosphere underwhelming.
Casting and Performances
Jack Kesy takes over the titular role of Hellboy, and his portrayal is one of the stronger aspects of the film. His gruff, no-nonsense approach to the character fits well with the world-weary, sarcastic persona from the comics. Kesy embodies Hellboy’s inner turmoil—half-demon, half-human, struggling between the two worlds—while delivering humor that feels organic to the character.
Adeline Rudolph’s Bobbie Jo Song, though underutilized, adds a fresh dynamic to the story. Her chemistry with Kesy’s Hellboy feels slightly underdeveloped, and the film doesn’t fully explore her potential as a BPRD agent. Meanwhile, Martin Bassindale as The Crooked Man is suitably menacing, though his character’s motivations and backstory could have been fleshed out more to create a truly terrifying villain.
Visuals and Special Effects
Given its reported budget of around $20-25 million, Hellboy: The Crooked Man operates on a smaller scale than its predecessors. The practical effects, including creature designs and makeup, are impressive, evoking the gritty, otherworldly atmosphere fans expect from a Hellboy movie. The Crooked Man, in particular, is a highlight, with his twisted, grotesque appearance aligning with his folkloric origins.
However, the film’s CGI does leave much to be desired. The opening scene involving a giant spider demon showcases the limitations of the budget, and some of the more complex visual sequences feel rushed and unfinished. The film does succeed in capturing the eerie, mist-covered landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains, though, which adds to the film’s folk-horror charm.
Storytelling and Direction
While Brian Taylor’s direction initially shows promise—particularly in the film’s atmospheric first half—the narrative begins to lose focus as it progresses. The folk-horror elements from the original comic are present, but they are often overshadowed by uninspired action set pieces and a sluggish middle act. Taylor attempts to blend horror with action, but the tonal shifts feel disjointed, making it difficult for the audience to remain fully engaged.
One of the film’s more glaring weaknesses is its lack of urgency. The slow pacing in certain sections diminishes the tension, which is critical for a horror-centric story. The film fails to fully embrace its horror roots, often pulling back from what could have been truly terrifying moments. Fans hoping for a spine-chilling experience may find themselves disappointed by the film’s restraint.
Where to Watch Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024) Online
For those eager to watch Hellboy: The Crooked Man, there are several streaming platforms and rental services where the movie is expected to be available.
Streaming Services:
- HBO Max: As a Warner Bros.-distributed film, Hellboy: The Crooked Man is anticipated to debut on HBO Max shortly after its theatrical release. HBO Max has a vast library of Warner Bros. films, making it a likely destination for Hellboy fans.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon typically acquires distribution rights for movies shortly after their theatrical runs, and Hellboy: The Crooked Man could be available for rent or purchase. Keep an eye on Prime Video for availability in the coming months.
- Apple TV+: For those looking to rent or buy the film, Apple TV+ will likely offer it on their platform once it becomes available for home viewing.
- Vudu: Another rental and purchase platform, Vudu often provides early access to new releases. Fans in the U.S. can expect to find the film here for digital viewing.
Rental/Purchase Options:
- Amazon (Rental and Purchase)
- Apple iTunes (Rental and Purchase)
- Google Play Movies & TV (Rental and Purchase)
- Vudu (Rental and Purchase)
Physical Copies:
For those who prefer owning a physical copy, Blu-ray and DVD versions of Hellboy: The Crooked Man will likely be released a few months after its theatrical run. Keep an eye on major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart for release dates.
Conclusion
Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024) is a mixed bag. It offers moments of atmospheric brilliance, particularly in its first half, and remains largely faithful to the source material. Jack Kesy delivers a strong performance as Hellboy, and the film’s practical effects are a welcome touch. However, its slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on mediocre CGI prevent it from reaching its full potential.
For fans of the comics, there is enough here to enjoy, but it falls short of the high standards set by Guillermo del Toro’s earlier Hellboy films. If you’re looking for a gritty, folk-horror-inspired superhero flick, it’s worth checking out, but temper your expectations.
