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Propelled by a crazy cast of creatures and their inherent humanity, Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a fun and fantastic flick you don’t have to be a comic book fan to enjoy.
It will help to have seen the first Hellboy as things pick up where the first film left off. This one expands on relationships like the friendship between Hellboy and Abe Sapien, the romance between Hellboy and Liz Sherman and the general lack of respect that BRPD Director Thomas Manning commands.
Ron Perlman again nails the character of the incredibly powerful but equally childlike demon who may be this world’s salvation or its destruction. While he’s all demon in battle, Hellboy really just wants to be loved. A human world that can’t ever trust a guy with horns, red skin and a stone hand makes that impossible, at least on a large scale. Selma Blair’s Liz is frustrated because she wants her love to be enough for him. There are some other revelations that make it even more important for these two to work things out.
Doug Jones’ Abe Sapien gets a lot more to do in this sequel including a romantic subplot. Hey, ladies love the walking fishstick. At least elven princess ladies do. One of the movie’s best scenes involves Abe and Hellboy trying to figure out what to do about their lady loves. I won’t say more about that, you’ve got to see it for yourself.
Guillermo del Toro populates the world of Hellboy II with the fantastic creatures that have become his trademark. The movie’s Troll Market location teems with enough activity that it calls to mind famed locales like the Mos Eisley Cantina or Helm’s Deep. Moviegoers are transported into another world, just ready for Hellboy to break it in battle with his enemies.
There are teeth-eating parasites, talking tumors and an oracle/surgeon with eyes in its wings. As if genre fans weren’t already looking forward to what del Toro will do with The Hobbit, they certainly are now.
Stealing several scenes is Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane as Johann Kraus, a ghostly scientist brought in to deal with the Hellboy problem. He proves to be Big Red’s equal both in combat and charisma. Their interaction is a joy to behold.
The lead evildoer here is Prince Nuada, played with just the right touch of sinister smarm by Luke Goss. He’s the most badass elf to hit theatres since Legolas. His fight scenes with Hellboy pit the demon’s stone hand and sheer strength versus top-notch cinematic wire fighting. And of course, the elf don’t play fair.
Hellboy II:The Golden Army has everything you could want in a summer popcorn flick. Perfectly timed comedy, heartfelt romance and slambang action. They left enough dangling for an inevitable third film and it’s one I can’t wait for. Fret not Big Red, moviegoers are sure to love you.
Image: Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Dark Horse Entertainment, Universal Pictures, 2008
