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Overall Rating : 7/10
Directed By : Phil Weinstein, Tad Stones
Ron Perlman (Stephen King's Desperation)
Selma Blair (The Fog (2005) )
Doug Jones (Doom)
Date Reviewed : Oct. 26, 2006
Supplied By : Starz! Media
Film Reviewed By : Rick Blalock
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| PLOT A professor of folklore opens a forbidden scroll and becomes possessed by the ancient Japanese demons of Thunder and Lightning... |
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| THE REVIEW In this, the first animated feature film for the new HELLBOY : ANIMATED series we follow Hellboy and his crew at The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, on another 'hellacious' assignment. It all begins when a Japanese Folklore Specialist opens up an ancient scroll, in the scroll it tells the stories of both the God of Thunder and Lightning. The story goes on to explain that in order for his land to be saved from demolition, the land owner offered them his most prized possession- that being his daughter. The Gods agreed to cease once the man made good on his promise - but a young Samurai whom loved the girl would fight for her - and in doing so he defeated them with his sword, trapping their spirits within the weapon. While he read the scroll, something occurs to where he was overcome by the evil spirits of the Gods, as they possess him and take over his body has he now goes to a museum to steal the ancient sword. Hellboy and company are sent to the museum to investigate the professor's break in when Hellboy picks up the sword and without warning he is transported to a world of Japan folklore, the setting where the events in which the writings on the scroll described. Feeling lost Hellboy suddenly finds himself at battle with things, such as flying heads, spiders, beasts and a multiple headed woman - while Liz Sherman, Abe Sapien, Professor Kate Corrigan, and Professor 'Broom' Bruttenholm, while out searching for his whereabouts find themselves engaged in battle of their own. The saga ends with Hellboy eventually returning to battle the twin Gods before they along with their brothers the dragons destroy the world. Being a fan of the HELLBOY movie, when this animated feature film was announced I got a little excited - then I was asked if i'd like to review it. At first admittingly I was hesitant as I have never featured animation at all on Terror Hook before - but later decided to check it out. HELLBOY : SWORD OF STORMS, is apparently not picking up where the film left off as the character of Broom is still alive and well here. (But the episode does begin with a narration to explain where Hellboy came from and just who The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense are) When we call this a "feature film" that is exactly what it is. The plot here plays out as a film would and with all of the actors from the live action film returning to voice, it feels like one. The plot is also deep and explorative and is obviously a product of major preparation and planning - in other words, it wasn't just throw together in a matter of days shall we say. The dialogue often is a little funny and a little sarcastic, people are asking already "why isn't this airing on ADULT SWIM instead of TOONAMI?" - well in my opinion truth be told, it's really not that harsh at all. The animation here, to me is fantastic and has a bit of an anime flavor to it and it relays the story which is being told as you watch, very smoothly. I myself am not necessarily a cartoon fan - but this Hellboy series is something that I could get into, as could anyone no matter their age - the story presented here is both descriptive and coherent enough to keep you watching. As for the voiceover work, Ron Perlman steals the show, and from his numerous voiceover appearances in the past you probably would've guessed as much. Selma Blair is decent here, but it's just not the same as seeing her in action and delivering her lines - call me weird if you will....maybe it's just because she's beautiful? Doug Jones, seems rather comfortable with the character her as he is great with this character anyway - only this time he didn't have to deal with all of that pesky make-up.... rounding out the principal voices here with equally great showings, are HELLBOY first-timer Peri Gilpin as John Hurt, who surprisingly returns as Professor Trevor 'Broom' Bruttenholm. HELLBOY : SWORD OF STORMS is a great way to kick off the new animated series. Originally a 30 minute feature it was later expanded to an 80 minute (at least by my screener - but some say 70) epic event, that should entertain, new and old fans of HELLBOY alike. |
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| MUSICAL
SCORE 6/10 The score consists of the HELLBOY theme song used in the live action flick, as well as some wonderful original tracks by series composer Chris Drake. |
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| OVERALL
IMPRESSION OF THE FILM HELLBOY : ANIMATED will not be your average cartoon series, but it will be one with apparently detailed stories and occurrences within. I found SWORD OF STORMS very entertaining and easy to follow - excluding the lack of explanation on the professor's possession(if their spirits were locked in the Sword Of Storms, then how were the spirits extracted from the scroll?). Be sure to check it out during CARTOON NETWORK'S TOONAMI lineup for October 28,2006! This animated film will air on Saturday October 28th, as part of TOONAMI on THE CARTOON NETWORK. (check your local listings) |
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