Greg Uke

This movie is EXACTLY what is sets out to be: a live-action retelling of the Crooked Man story from the comics. It doesn't have a budget in the tens of millions, Hellboy isn't depicted as an quippy action hero (because he isn't in the comics), and it's appropriately dark and eerie. Mignola himself had a hand in creating it, and I thought it was delightful. People who gave this movie a negative review fall into two categories: 1. They don't know Hellboy and are upset because there wasn't a lot of preliminary exposition and hand-holding. 2. They only like big-budget movies with lots of special effects and smooth transitions and drama. This is an indie movie and it never pretended to be anything else, so giving it a negative review on this basis is like going into a burger joint and throwing a tantrum because they don't serve foie gras. I applaud this movie for being true to the source material and true to itself. It was very enjoyable. =)

I thought this movie was as faithful as it could have been to the books, and brilliantly depicted. Every part of it impressed me. It will live in history right up there with LOTR.

Understand that this movie has simple direct acting, and it is a magical xianxia martial arts movie, and you'll be fine. It's great for what it is. If you don't understand mulan being a "magical girl" who is perfect at everything, study up on Chinese fantasy. They like that stuff.