Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms (2006)

Ron Perlman
Selma Blair
Doug Jones
John Hurt

Directed by Phil Weinstein & Tad Stones

Plot: A folklore professor has become possessed by the ancient Japanese demons of Thunder and Lightning, and the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense has dispatched an experienced team of professionals to investigate. As Hellboy discovers a cursed samurai sword that transports him to a feudal supernatural dimension inhabited by malevolent ghosts and vicious monsters, Liz and Abe Sapien face off against a powerful and very angry dragon. In order to slay the giant beast, Liz and Abe are going to need the help of the Right Hand of Doom, but before he can help his friends, Hellboy will have to defeat two of the most ferocious spirits ever to unleash their wrath on man. It's not going to be an easy fight, and before the battle is over, Hellboy will find out just how vengeful the legendary duo of Thunder and Lightning can truly be.

Review: I was not a fan of the Hellboy comic, but I totally loved the movie. I think it might be one of the most visually accurate comic films ever made. Story wise I have nothing to compare it to, but I thought it was spot on with the characters. That being said I was really looking forward to the animated film.

I was somewhat disappointed in this movie. It wasn’t bad, but it is somewhat boring and slow. When there is action it’s cool, but there isn’t a lot here. The animation looks great and the characters come off pretty cool. It was great that they got the film cast to do the animated film, but it didn’t save it for me. A little less than halfway through I just stopped caring. I don’t know if it was the story itself or the film as a whole, but I was just bored. I am sad to say that I cannot recommend this movie. Some Hellboy fans might enjoy it, but I think most people will just be bored. Let’s hope the second animated feature and Hellboy 2 make up for this film.


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