Hellboy (2004, USA) C-132m. *** D: Guillermo del Toro. Starring Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair, Rupert Evans, Karel Roden, Jeffrey Tambor, Guillermo del Toro, Mike Mignola. Explosive, entertaining comic book adaptation about the title character (Perlman), who is summoned from hell by Rasputin-like N.N. to do evil deeds during WW2. He is saved by Hurt, who then begins leading a secret CIA branch dealing with the supernatural - with super-strong Hellboy a powerful weapon. If only the guy weren't so down-to-earth at times… Well-produced horror/fantasy actioner works because of its appealing (even funny) main character. The action is astounding. Del Toro (CRONOS, MIMIC) scripted, based on Mike Mignola's comic book series, but it also owes a bit to H.P. Lovecraft. Original theatrical version ran 125m. and was rated PG-13. Sequel to follow in 2006.