Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Reviewed by: Ryan Rotten
Rating: 9 out of 10
Movie Details: View here
Cast:
Ron Perlman as Hellboy
Selma Blair as Liz Sherman
Doug Jones as Abe Sapien
Seth MacFarlane as the voice of Johann Krauss
Luke Goss as Prince Nuada
Anna Walton as Princess Nuala
Jeffrey Tambor as Tom Manning
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro
Review:
Any expectations I had of ever seeing an accurate, baroque depiction of Mike Mignola's Hellboy went out the window when auteur (and I don't use that term often) Guillermo Del Toro - coming off of Blade II having exercised his action chops and effectively put his mark on that franchise - directed Sony's 2004 film Hellboy. The flawed, but still very good, translation didn't precisely capture the essence of Mignola's work. The script lacked focus (What exactly was Rasputin out to do and how so?) and featured a trivial leading man (Rupert Evans) to smooth the audience's transition into, and acceptance of, Hellboy's world. Del Toro adopted the character to meet his own needs and themes to varying degrees of success; and even though the finale was rather lackluster, it left fans, including myself, wanting more.
Unhindered by a meddling studio, given a larger sandbox and creative freedom, Del Toro has delivered one whopper of a sequel in Hellboy II, a titanic improvement over its predecessor - even if it is a further departure from the comics - that recaptures the adventure and awe of those '60s and '70s films FX pioneer Ray Harryhausen had partaken in with The Golden Voyage of Sinbad and Jason and the Argonauts.
Hellboy II opens with another look into the titular character's past. We find a young horned HB (Who's kinda freaky-lookin', but the female contingent in my audience voiced a unified "Aw, cute!") being told a bedtime story, by John Hurt encoring briefly as Professor Broom, of The Golden Army, a last resort weapon looming over a lengthy truce between humankind, rulers of the cities, and the creatures of fantasy. In wonderfully imaginative detail, Del Toro recounts this bit of exposition through Hellboy's interpretation of the story which features animated wooden marionettes.
Flash forward to present time. Elf Prince Nuada (Goss, former Blade II baddie) - fed up by the humans', for lack of a better term, raping of the planet - is declaring war on man and seeking to resurrect the Golden Army. He can only do so, however, by obtaining three essential pieces of a royal crown, one of which is reclaimed during a New York City auction. The other two are held by his sister, Nuala (Walton), and father/King Balor who reject his motives. Nuala goes on the run and finds protection in the arms of the B.P.R.D. and, you guessed it, Hellboy, Abe Sapien and Liz Sherman.
A little bit older, the trio faces grown-up problems. Hellboy and Liz notably struggle as a couple, feeling the frustrations of domesticity. She wants a new lifestyle change and a bit of space, tired of living in Hellboy's wing at the B.P.R.D. headquarters. Hellboy, meanwhile, is doing some acting out on his own, ramping up his public presence much to the chagrin of Manning (Tambor). His most recent antics - particularly a stunt at the aforementioned auction house involving Tooth Fairies (they eat you and teeth are their delicacy) and an explosion that thrusts Hellboy into the media spotlight - leaves the government no choice but to sent a new B.P.R.D. agent to watch over him. Said newcomer is the ectoplasmic know-it-all Johann Krauss, a glass-domed import from Germany ("Germans make me nervous," huffs Hellboy at their introduction.) voiced with riotous, sharp-as-a-nail zeal by Family Guy's Seth MacFarlane. Del Toro uses the new agent to keep things fresh, kick around some fun Nazi jabs and, wisely, relate Krauss' presence to Hellboy's inner conflicts of seeking popularity and deciding what is right, wrong or against his nature. MacFarlane is a scene-stealer and Perlman, much more comfortable in Hellboy's skin this time out, is rightly on his toes every step of the way. Altogether, Del Toro's meticulously drawn misfits set out to stop Nuada from attaining worldwide domination.
It's a joint effort this time with each agent getting their time in the spotlight, especially Abe - seamlessly played by Doug Jones 100% (and taking over for David Hyde Pierce on vocal work) - and Liz who are granted more to do and some delicious comical bits.
Hellboy II, on one level, is a poignant essay with a "green" theme. Nuada balks at the rise in parking lots and shopping centers and Hellboy is faced with putting down a forest god, the last of its kind (that big green thing you see in the trailers). Is Nuada justified in his actions? Have we really screwed our planet up royally? And where does Hellboy - this creature straddling "their" world and ours - stand? These are just some of the questions explored, and many of the answers, we come to learn, probably won't be answered until Hellboy III. Still, the sequel has a lot more subtext rippling beneath its majestic surface than one would expect going in. Del Toro also carefully weaves themes of acceptance and love amongst unlikely partners (Hellboy/Liz, Abe/Nuala) which offer subtle nods to classic monster films like Bride of Frankenstein (you have to believe Del Toro relished the fact his Hellboy is now a Universal production) and not-so-subtle moments like one featuring Abe, Hellboy, countless six-packs of Tecate and Barry Manilow. The latter scene is a crowd-pleaser that's admittedly ridiculous, but also amiably endearing.
Visually, Hellboy II is a true marvel. Without a doubt, the troll market sequence and its menagerie of monsters will fuel discussion and raise comparisons to the creature cantina sequence from Star Wars. But like the Sinbad films and even Clash of the Titans, Hellboy's journey from start to finish carries us along the tracks at a breakneck speed with every stop along the way introducing us to some new FX spectacle (mostly practical, it should be noted) to behold. Once one has picked their jaw up off the floor following the early Tooth Fairy attack there's the introduction of Johann and his feats; then there's King Balor's Butcher Guards; the towering elemental; Wink, the troll with a retractable metallic hand; the winged Death; and so on and so on until the Golden Army is presented in a breathtaking climactic battle.
Accompanying it all is an efficient score by Danny Elfman that punctuates a lot of terrific beats, action-oriented or otherwise. I still missed Marco Beltrami's Hellboy theme, however.
Never have I seen Del Toro this assured and this comfortable with a Hollywood picture. He's come off of Pan's Labyrinth with an immense confidence and it absolutely shines throughout Hellboy II. He's not at all deterred by its scope and knows when to rein things in before they get out of hand. You never get the sense that Del Toro's flourishes are egotistical excess. It's just part of the world he has created. It's organic. Yes, the somewhat gothic nature coursing through the first entry has been eschewed for high levels of fantasy; still, the film makes room to slyly remind you of Hellboy's roots, who he is ("son of the Fallen One") and where he is going (it ain't good). For now, Del Toro enjoys his time in the sun - surrounded by his goblins, fairies and other beasties - before the storm clouds roll in and Hellboy is faced with even greater, darker challenges. When that time comes, consider me the first in line.
One final note: Look and listen for a few nods to Guillermo's "Masters of Horror" chums John Landis and George Romero.
Comments
Posted by: SoulPatch on July 3, 2008 at 09:27:57
I thought the first one was awful, so it is going to be hard to get me into the theater for this one. We'll see...
I think, for a mass audience, the title of "Hellboy" should of changed. I had never heard of the comic before and thought that was one of the stupidest titles I have ever heard. Everyone I talk to agrees when they hear the title "Hellboy", and they have an almost incredulous laugh when I ask if they are going to see it.
Posted by: iH8Shia on July 3, 2008 at 09:45:26
The badguys and stunts were a joke in the first film (stupid tentacles!) I'll watch this sequel if I find it in a bargain bin come DVD Blu-Ray release...
Posted by: ScratStitch on July 3, 2008 at 11:02:46
Seriously, I can't wait to see this movie. It's going to be great!
Posted by: Jeri on July 3, 2008 at 12:01:23
I just saw this movie twice in LA once at the Premier the other at the Fan Screening. Loved this flick, Luke Goss was awesome as a kick butt bad guy doing sword work and stunt that were amazing. The movie also had allot of funny part that had us all roaring with laughter If you do not see this movie you would be truly missing out on the best movie I have seen so far this summer.
Posted by: Shane on July 3, 2008 at 14:21:39
forget all you haters, the first Hellboy was awesome, and this looks even better
Posted by: ZombieWorx on July 3, 2008 at 16:47:10
I agree with Shane. I loved the first Hellboy (I am also a huge fan of the comic) and this one looks even better. (And just because you don't know what something is doesn't mean you should change the title.)
Posted by: Priest on July 3, 2008 at 17:13:29
Wow. A nine? Wasn't expecting that. I'm glad it got a nine, though.
Posted by: Zach on July 4, 2008 at 00:52:52
I dunno about this. Del Toro butchered Blade 2, and the first Hellboy movie left a rather sour taste in my mouth? (Was it a comedy, horror, action, or romance movie?) Because of those two movies, I haven't seen Pan's Labyrinth, and I don't think I'll be seeing this one. Nevertheless, a nine is a shockingly high rating, so maybe I'll give this a shot.
We'll see.
Posted by: Brooklyn on July 4, 2008 at 04:08:52
Considering the ammount of money DelToro was given to make the first Hellboy it's amazing! And Blade 2 was the best Blade there was! DelToro is also the director of the new Lord of the Rings movie The Hobbit! Considering Peter Jackson is letting someone else take over his "baby" says a thousand words! Also Pan's Labyrinth is one of the greatest movies of this generation. Too many people are too hung up on Marvel and DC comic movies to actually open there mind to something different. Don't get me wrong I love all the recent Marvel and DC comic movies. But atleast Hellboy has originality. If you get the chance watch Pan's Labyrinth you really should. It's a great movie.
Posted by: Kevin on July 5, 2008 at 00:13:41
Hellboy wasn't anywhere near the best comic adaptation, but I do think it was underrated. I'm surprised it even made enough money to justify a sequel, but I guess Del Toro gained a little extra clout with Pan's Labyrinth (and rightfully so).
And Blade II was better visually than the first one by a mile. The story was just as nonsensical, though.
Posted by: Romeo Garcia. on July 5, 2008 at 00:34:44
I just say it yesterday and Is a entertainment movie...just like that!!!..it's not X MEN 2,or SPIDERMAN 2 or SIN CITY or SUPERMAN RETURNS..i not say it i dissapoitment,,,but keep your hopes neutral,,,it's not the big movie of the summer.i like it much more IRON MAN and of course HULK,,,,,simple like that.
Posted by: uguyzsuck on July 6, 2008 at 09:22:27
I love how some people have nothing better to do than piss n moan. Hellboy is a great fantasy movie with great costumes. Something all you 13 yr old cgi addicts would know nothing about. Try this..remove stick from butt and try enjoying the movie.
Posted by: Justin D. on July 6, 2008 at 17:12:39
While the first "Hellboy" had its flaws it was still an interesting premise and by no means a bad film. After reading the comic it was based on I feel it is worth giving the sequel a shot. Guillermo Del Toro is an amazing director and I love his visual style so I don't think this picture will be disappointing. Then again, I've been let down before. Here's hoping this review is an accurate one.
Posted by: hellboy on July 7, 2008 at 05:55:31
i agree this movie looks even better than the first and have never read a hellboy comic i still a fan rock on hellboy rock on
Posted by: Rock Roche on July 8, 2008 at 04:38:28
I enjoyed the first one. I give it a 6 out of 10. Just above average. I already know that the sequel is going to be better, I didn't need to read the review. I'm checking it out friday and I know it's going to blow my mind. Good thing it comes out a week before Dark Knight. Two GREAT comic flicks back-to-back.
Posted by: Oogz on July 13, 2008 at 15:59:41
High praise, really... I'm actually most glad that a review finally acknowledged Danny Elfman replacing Marco. I missed some of the motifs Beltrami used, true... but I'm admittedly biased towards enjoying Danny's style.
Posted by: steve on July 22, 2008 at 16:02:29
this movies was awesome. the first one was allright, but this one truly delivered. As good as the comics and graphic novels i say
Posted by: dodi on August 29, 2008 at 18:45:04
I saw the move and I realy liked it, but I need your help...
In the scene when prince nauada kill his father, he took from the guards 2 beautiful swords that realy look like Japanese swords...
I realy want to buy one of those for myself and I need your help to find where I can get one
thank you very much, and if you can E-mail me
Posted by: The answer man on August 30, 2008 at 00:14:13
Yeah dodi, I was looking for the same thing. Those swords were really cool! Check out this web site where they sell a bunch of authentic Hellboy shwag. Everything is a replica, but some of the stuff can still be expensive. You should check it out.
www.measurection.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/205
Posted by: Suspiria Soldier on March 12, 2009 at 22:55:17
I could easily conjure up a grand explanation of the glory which is hellboy 2, riddled with compliments and nerdy analysis that would boost del torros soul. Although quite frankly i can do it with two words..........
**** YEAH
1
Add a comment