Ron Perlman Movies
Ron Perlman grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City, where his father was a radio/TV repairman and his mother an employee with the city's Department of Health. A profoundly unhandsome youth, Perlman was nonetheless very active in high school theater by virtue of his height (6-foot-2) and his deep, rolling voice. He continued studying drama at Lehman College and later at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with a master's degree in theater arts. He went to work with New York's Classic Stage Company, an organization specializing in Elizabethan and Restoration plays. Perlman starred in several Manhattan and touring productions staged by Tom O'Horgan of Hair fame before accepting his first film role as a Neanderthal man in 1981's Quest for Fire. Emotionally drained, Perlman backed off from acting after finishing the movie, but was soon back in the groove, essaying such attention-getting roles as the hunchbacked Salvatore in The Name of the Rose (1986). Most often cast as brooding, inarticulate, villainous characters in films (such as Pap in 1993's The Adventures of Huck Finn), Perlman became best known for his performance as the beneficent, albeit hideously ugly, sewer-dwelling Vincent in the late-'80s TV series Beauty and the Beast. Though this remained the actor's defining role for years after the show's run had drawn to a close, he was busier than ever through the '90s.Appearing in everything from obscure arthouse hits (Cronos [1993] and The City of Lost Children [1995]) to voice-over work for television (Aladdin) and video games (Fallout, A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game) to overblown Hollywood blockbusters (Alien Resurrection), Perlman left few stones unturned in terms of flexibility and experimentation in new media. He continued this trend into the early 2000s, alternating between various arenas with remarkable ease and refusing to be pigeonholed, appearing in such high-profile releases as Titan A.E. (2000), Enemy at the Gates (2001), and Blade II (2002). Though his recognition factor seemed higher than ever, few could foresee the opportunity just ahead when Blade II and Cronos director Guillermo del Toro announced that Perlman would star in the film adaptation of Mike Mignola's popular comic book Hellboy, although it seemed highly unlikely that studios would invest the millions of dollars needed to bring the comic to life with an actor of such minimal "marquee value." They wanted Vin Diesel for the role, but del Toro, with the blessing and encouragement of character originator Mignola, eventually won out to have Perlman play the Nazi-creation-turned-superhero in the 2004 fantasy-action film. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A noble knight battles a wicked witch in a bid to save humanity from an ancient evil in this supernatural thriller starring Nicolas Cage and Ron Perlman. Upon returning to his home in Europe, crusading knight Behmen (Cage) finds his faith beginning to falter due to the brutality he's witnessed on the battlefield. The Black Plague has decimated the countryside, forcing Behmen and his loyal companion, Felson (Perlman), to seek sustenance and supplies at the Palace of Marburg. They're weary from war, but they're about to discover that their struggle is just beginning. Commanded by the moribund Cardinal to deliver a suspected witch to the abbey where her powers can be abolished, Behman accepts the assignment under the condition that the young peasant girl will receive a fair trial. The church believes the girl to be the one responsible for the Black Plague, and they may be right, too. As the two men and a small group of chaperones set out on their arduous mission, they quickly realize that their young charge is something more than human, and that they're about to face an evil beyond human comprehension. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, (more)
In his feature film directorial debut, Thomas Jane stars in this suspenseful horror thriller; also starring Lauren German and Ron Perlman. Two honeymooners rescue a mysterious car crash survivor in the Las Vegas desert. But their decision to save the man becomes increasingly regrettable when he turns on them, forcing the newlyweds to do the unthinkable. In a blur of paranormal chaos, the couple must take drastic measures to cover up their actions from the local police, ultimately leading each character to an inescapable fate.
- Starring:
- Ron Perlman, Lauren German, (more)
- 2008
Spanish company Dygra Films presents this eco-friendly animated film chronicling the revolt of the plant and animal community against a dastardly businesswoman looking to bulldoze the forest. Sean Astin, Giovanni Ribisi, Ron Perlman and Anjelica Huston provide the voices for the computer animated production. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sean Astin, Giovanni Ribisi, (more)
Mike Mignola and Guillermo Del Toro team up once again to bring everyone's favorite wise-cracking, crime fighting demon to the screen in an animated adventure that finds Hellboy, Liz Sherman, and Abe Sapien pitted against a powerful horde of supernatural baddies. When a sprawling mansion becomes overrun with ghosts and werewolves, Hellboy is forced to put in some serious overtime to ensure that the situation doesn't get out of hand. Add into the mix a villainous vampires and a malevolent goddess, and you've got a recipe for Hellboy's most thrilling assignment to date. Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, and John Hurt all return to voice the same characters they portrayed in Del Toro's rousing live action film. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, (more)
As preparation gets underway for the construction of an environmentally devastating oil well in a remote Alaskan base just outside the Arctic Circle, a series of unexplainable occurrences lead a team of adventurers to believe that something supernatural may be afoot in director Larry Fessenden's chilly snowbound thriller. Pollack (Ron Perlman) is the ultra-macho leader of a team of adventurers that include his former lover Abby (Connie Britton), pot-smoking mechanic Motor (Kevin Corrigan), and inexperienced newcomer-cum-fortunate son Maxwell (Zach Gilford). When research scientists Hoffman (James Le Gros) and Elliot (Jamie Harrold) arrive to assess the environmental impact of the proposed project, Pollack's unmasked contempt for the pair's stalling of the project immediately creates dissent among the group. As emotions boil to the breaking point and cabin fever begins to take hold, Maxwell's increasingly strange behavior is initially attributed to the blinding white barrenness of the region that has been known to fast wear thin the fortitude of even experienced men. There's more to Maxwell's midnight wanderings and incoherent mumblings that meets the eye though, because as the outside temperature begins to rise during the dead of winter and the team members begin to experience fleeting visions out of the corner of their eyes, it begins to appear as if mother nature may be voicing her opposition to the proposed pillaging of her luminous white landscape. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ron Perlman, James LeGros, (more)
The ancient demon Legion has exerted its malevolent influence on remote reformatory, and it's up to five wayward teenage girls to release the institution from his demonic grip in director Warren P. Sonoda's satanic supernatural thriller. Ron Perlman stars as the head priest in a film that pits the power of five teenage mortals against the unfathomable strength of the devil's greatest disciple. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ron Perlman
A pregnant girl trapped in a woman's health clinic makes a disturbing discovery about the child growing inside of her while attempting to fight off her father and three heavily armed brothers in director John Carpenter's second Masters of Horror episode. A young couple is driving down a darkened country road when frightened Angelique (Caitlin Wachs) darts frantically into their headlights. Realizing that the young girl is terrified beyond consolation and shaken by the near accident she caused, the kindly couple informs Angelique that they are currently en route to a nearby clinic and would be happy to give her a ride. Shortly after arriving at the clinic with their young charge, however, Angelique's enraged father, Dwayne (Ron Perlman), arrives with two sons in tow and enough firepower to stage a small war. Staunch anti-abortion activist Dwayne is determined to liberate his daughter from the evil clinic in which she has sought sanctuary, but as he prepares to storm the building, Angelique makes a horrifying discovery about her unborn child. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Caitlin Wachs, Ron Perlman, (more)
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command director Tad Stones teams with Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and Hellboy director Guillermo del Toro to follow the further adventures of the wisecracking demon who fights for the powers of light in the mortal realm. 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. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, (more)
- 2006
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The comedy How to Go Out on a Date in Queens involves two seemingly unrelated storylines. One tale features a womanizing operator who ends up taking his best friend along on one of the worst dates he's ever had. The second story involves a bookie who owes a little too much money to men with hired killers on their payroll. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rob Estes, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, (more)
- 2005
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When sleuthing archaeologist Velma travels to Egypt to attend a ceremony celebrating the unveiling of the newly restored Sphinx, the discovery of a hidden tomb threatens to unleash an ancient curse in this frightful feature-length mystery featuring everyone's favorite dog detective - Scooby-Doo. Upon discovering the ancient tomb of Eqyptian queen Cleopatra, Scooby and the gang find an ominous warning stating that all who enter will be turned to stone. As the mystery of the ancient tomb deepens, an army of the dead emerges to take revenge on those who would violate the eternal slumber of their revered ruler. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Frank Welker, Casey Kasem, (more)
A reclusive Vietnam veteran finds his quiet life thrown into chaos upon receiving an unexpected visitor in this tale of friendship and healing starring Danny Glover, Linda Hamilton, and Ron Perlman. Though 35 years have passed since Jake (Glover) returned to American soil after fighting in the Vietnam war, the horrors of the battlefield still linger vividly in his mind. Instead of returning to the hustle and bustle of the city, Jake has chosen to seek solitude in the serene forests of the Pacific Northwest -- cutting all ties to modern society save for the occasional trip into town for supplies. When a terminally ill army buddy appears on Jake's doorstep pleading with his old friend to take care of his young daughter, the gruff veteran reluctantly accepts. As the bond between Jake and his new charge strengthens, the seeds of their growing friendship sets into motion a healing process that will reach beyond Jake to affect an entire community of forgotten war veterans. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Danny Glover, Linda Hamilton, (more)
A brilliant German Jewish scientist developing a weapon of incalculable power is courted by intelligence services from England, Germany, and Russia in this World War II-era thriller starring Craig Sheffer, Todd Field, and Ron Perlman. Nicky Raus is a scientist who may hold the key to winning a world war, and when German agents attempt to abduct Raus, American agent Frank Hossom is assigned the task of bringing the scientist back dead or alive. Hossom forges an unexpected romantic bond with Raus' lover, Olga Ryabina -- an actress forced to assume the role of secret operative for the KGB -- and the dangerous love triangle that forms sparks international intrigue while simultaneously threatening to consume all involved. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Craig Sheffer, Todd Field, (more)
One by bloody one, the women of a crowded metropolis are falling prey to a merciless serial killer who shows no signs of slowing in his murderous rampage. Though Detective Perry (Ron Perlman) believes he is edging ever closer to catching the killer; he still lacks one crucial piece of evidence that will reveal the true identity of the fiend and bring the wave of unending horror to a close. As Detective Perry struggles to beat the clock, a formerly loving father and husband (Corbin Bernsen) seems to be drifting ever further from his family -- raising their suspicions that he may in fact be the killer and that their lives may be in great danger. When his wife falls prey to a mysterious stalker, the stakes are raised, and Detective Perry must act fast if he is to pry the city streets from the grip of a madman. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2004
From Fairly OddParents creator Butch Hartman, the half-hour animated series Danny Phantom was all about Danny Fenton, a shy, geekish freshman who attended Casper High. Thanks to an accident in the laboratory of his paranormal-expert father Jack, Danny was transformed into a half-human, half-phantom, endowed with ghostly superpowers. As "Danny Phantom", our hero periodically skipped out of school to save the world from a vast array of evil (and sidesplittingly funny) ghosts, spooks and phantoms. Meanwhile, Casper High's vice-principal and English teacher Mr. Lancer, in the anal-retentive tradition of all animated adult authority figures, imposed harsh punishments on Danny for his frequent absences--or at least, he tried to. Other characters included Danny's level-headed mom Maddie, his ultra-perfectionist sister Jazz, and his best friends, talkative techno-nerd Tucker Foley (whose various inventions were designed for maximum efficiency in the Ghost World where Danny spent of his time), and freewheeling Goth Girl and vegetarian Samantha "Sam" Manson. The bane of Danny's existence was bullying high school football star Dash Baxter, who often as not ended up embarrassed or humiliated thanks to Danny's spectral skills. Danny Phantom joined the Nickelodeon lineup on April 3, 2004, and later was seen as part of the weekend-morning schedule of Nickelodeon's sister network CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Kaufman, Rob Paulsen, (more)
- 2003
In the conclusion of Justice League's second-season opener, the Justice League has been imprisoned on a giant artificial moon, built in the shape of Superman's old Krypton foe Brainiac. It turns out that the Leaguers are mere pawns in a pact between the sinister Brainiac and the mercurial Darkseid, which involves exchanging Superman's DNA for the safety of the planet Apokolips. Before the final showdown between Superman and Darkseid, the other League Members have forged a self-protective alliance with the members of the New Genesis. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Ironside, Corey Burton, (more)
- 2003
Season two of the animated Justice League begins with a two-part story set in space and features two of Superman's longtime nemeses, the enigmatic Darkseid and the wholly villainous Krypton refugee Brainiac. While Darkseid endeavors to break a longstanding extraterrestrial treaty between the New Gods and New Genesis, Brainiac foments chaos on the planet Apokolips. Superman's fellow Justice League members combine their talents to find a common solution for both problems, but their efforts are complicated by the questionable motives of Darkseid and the resourcefully sinister Brainiac. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Dorn, Corey Burton, (more)
- 2003
In the first episode of a two-part story, simian villain Gorilla Grodd hopes to take advantage of dissension and disagreement within the ranks of the Justice League. Grodd organizes his own team of villains, including such nasties as Giganta, Sinestro, and Killer Frost. Inasmuch as Grodd's team gets along with one another a lot better than the members of the Justice Leage, it looks as though villainy will triumph over virtue this time around! ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Powers Boothe, Stephen McHattie, (more)
- 2003
In the conclusion of a two-part story, simian villain Gorilla Grodd has organized the Secret Society, a tightly-knit team of fellow baddies. With the members of the Justice League falling prey to petty squabbles and ego tripping, it looks as if the Secret Sociey will be able to take over the world with the greatest of ease. It is up to The Green Lantern to set things aright -- but without the cooperation of his fellow Leaguers, he may well fail in his mission. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Powers Boothe, Stephen McHattie, (more)
Brian Katkin, the director behind such video-store fare as If I Die Before I Wake and Hard as Nails, delivers this action thriller starring Ron Perlman and Erika Eleniak. Released straight-to-video in 2002, Shakedown centers on a terroristic religious cult, led by Perlman, with plans to infecting the world with a deadly biological weapon. After an earthquake, Perlman finds himself trapped in an office building with the weapon he covets and an undercover agent (Wolf Larson) bent on stopping him. Hunter's Fred Dryer co-stars. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
In the 1950s, a young boy, Charlie Burden Jr. (Bobby Edner), and his Golden Retriever known as Drum, share adventures in their rural town, many of which require the dog to save the boy's life: they have a boating accident and the dog pulls him from the lake; they encounter a pack of wild dogs and the dog slays them, but is gravely wounded. Then they run head-long into a grumpy old neighbor (John Schuck), who is convinced Drum has been killing his sheep. Like Dorothy's Toto, Drum is hauled away to be executed, but Charlie's dad (Ron Perlman) hires gilded tongue attorney George Graham Vest (Scott Bakula) to defend the canine before a jury and a judge. Vest's climactic closing argument had better be good, or they'll be playing "Taps" for Drum. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bobby Edner, Scott Bakula, (more)
- 2000
At a secret military base in the American desert, Dr. Harlan Jessup (Ron Perlman) is charge of the experimental "Operation Sandman", in which volunteer soldiers are injected with a new serum that will allow them to operate without sleep for days at a time. Led by senior NCO "Gunny" Riggins (Richard Tyson), the volunteers are trained in Virtual Reality scenarios pitting them against computer-generated terrorist. Midway through the three-week experiment, Captain Jean Farrell (Mary B. Ward) of Psy-Ops arrives to check out the volunteers and, hopefully, give them a clean bill of health so that funding for Operation Sandman will continue. Unfortunately, a few of the volunteers have been experiencing bizarre and terrifying side effects, which Jessup tries to sweep under the rug. But Jean cannot ignore the fact that on at least one occasion, a soldier has been killed by a weapon which doesn't exist! (Virtual Reality. Remember That. Virtual Reality. Real Important. Virtual Reality. Vital to the Plot. Virtual Reality.) When the made-for-TV Operation Sandman premiered on February 11, 2000, the UPN network heavily promoted the appearance of pro wrestler Hardcore Holly--who is bumped off in the first reel! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
When a plane full of tourists crash-lands on an island off the coast of Mexico, the survivors soon discovers that they have an even greater danger awaiting them once they free themselves from the wreckage -- the island is overrun with bloodthirsty mutated baboons, the result of a scientific experiment gone wrong. An eccentric guide (Ron Perlman) who understands the strange apes is brought in to save the stranded travelers before it's too late. Primal Force also stars Roxana Zal and Mark Kiely. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ron Perlman, Roxana Zal, (more)
