Bloodtype Online

    The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense is at it again when they send Hellboy to Japan to investigate the strange events that resulted from a professors reading of an ancient scroll.  While looking at a Samurai sword Hellboy is transported back in time to ancient Japan and forced on a journey to face the demons that want the sword.  While in the present Abe Sapien and Liz Sherman travel to Japan to find out what happened to Hellboy and get caught up in events that are being caused by Hellboy’s actions in the past.  Eventually Hellboy is transported back to the present and he with the aid of Abe and Liz must find a way to stop the demons from destroying the world. 

    This is a first for me.  I’ve never reviewed an animated movie before but after watching this one I just had to.  I’m a huge fan of the live action Hellboy movie in spite of it’s obvious flaws.  When I heard that they had brought most of the movies cast back to voice the characters in a series of animated movies I was sold.  So how did they do?  The story brings in some of the cool beliefs and folklore of Japan (the wise fox, demonic flying heads), which I’ve always been interested in.  I was also impressed by how well the story translated the characters from the comics, which was helped by the decision to allow Hellboy to curse.  I don’t want to give the impression that any of the characters go on a Tarantino like rant, because they don’t.  What they did do is stay true to the source material and didn’t try and make this a kid’s film.  The actors who had been involved in bringing the characters to life on the big screen being asked to voice the animated versions of course helped this.  In particular Ron Perlman really understands and seems to have a lot of affection for the character of Hellboy, which is pretty clear in his performance.  I think what really helped me enjoy this movie is the animation, which is very well done.  How you animate your movie really depends on what sort of story and characters you are working with.  The animation style that they choose for Hellboy really worked for me as a fan.  It wasn’t too “cartoony” while at the same time avoided the whole Pixar digital look.  If you are a fan of Hellboy or just a fan of animation I recommend that you give this movie a chance you won’t be disappointed.