A Non-Spoiler Review
The unexpected pleasure of 2008 summer films continues with the release of the second film in what will hopefully be, at least, the Hellboy trilogy. Once again director Guillermo del Toro combines his unique vision with the creations of Mike Mignola in the movie Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
The short review of Hellboy II can be summed up fairly quickly: this movie is fun! It is safe to say that if you enjoyed the first film, then Hellboy II will not disappoint.
But when did I ever quit with a short review? Let’s talk:
Hellboy II seems to pick up not terribly long after the events of the first film. One of the things I enjoy about sequels is that they allow the film-makers to continue with the story without having to spend a great deal of time re-introducing the characters. This was handled quite well in Hellboy II with a brief written opening and a very nice flashback to Hellboy’s youth that ties in with later events of the film. I am so glad they did this as it was great to see John Hurt as Professor Bruttenholm, if only for a brief moment.
The story then jumps to the present where your typical, but enjoyable, super-hero/fantasy action film begins.
The Hellboy film franchise is a great supplement to the ongoing series of graphic novels created by Mike Mignola. By and large the characters are tied to their comic book origins, and yet the films are not burdened with having to stay entirely true to continuity or those origins. I think it is a unique issue in comparison to bigger, older franchises in that those of us who are Hellboy obsessed fans are so happy to see the character treated right on the big screen, and are so enamored of Guillermo del Toro, that continuity issues pass by with nary a thought. But maybe that is just me, I would certainly be interested in hearing other fans’ take on that.
If any director was tailor made to bring the spirit of Mike Mignola’s creation to the big screen it is del Toro. What makes these two films, but most especially Hellboy II, extra special is that Guillermo del Toro brings his own deep and abiding passion for and understanding of fairy tales to the process. If anything Hellboy II could be viewed as a movie set in the modern times of the same universe inhabited by Pan’s Labyrinth. The fantastical, fairy tale creatures that inhabit the Hellboy II universe are direct descendants of those that inhabited the fairy tale world in Pan’s Labyrinth…and they are marvelous creatures to behold. Despite the fact that I absolutely love the heroes in Mike Mignola’s world, and I do, it was the myriad of bizarre, magical, fantastical beings that cropped up all throughout this film that will have me at the store on DVD release day aching to get ahold of my copy so that I can slowly admire all that del Toro has created.
The troll market is visual kin to the wonder of Mos Eisley spaceport and the floating market in Neil Gaiman’s Stardust (the book, not the film). It is an absolute delight and will be the focus of many paused screens in the future as I try to see all that del Toro has crammed into the frame. That alone is well worth the price of admission. But that is not all…
The returning characters are as entertaining as ever. I love the romance between Hellboy and Liz Sherman, something that is not present in the graphic novels. Selma Blair, sporting a cute new ‘do, is given much more screen time in this film which I was glad to see. I was also glad to see that Doug Jones was able to voice his own character, Abe Sapien, this time. He does so in a way that blends in well with the first movie when the character was voiced by David Hyde Pierce. Although his origin and look is slightly different from the comic, I was also thrilled to see the inclusion of the Johann Krauss. He is a character that I really like on the B.P.R.D. and was the source of some really good humor in Hellboy II.
All-in-all Hellboy II is a visual delight on par with any of the other visually fantastical films that have come out in the last several years. More often than not frames are filled with more wonder than can be taken in on a first viewing and that makes me excited about repeat viewings. The story doesn’t break new ground in any fashion but it really doesn’t matter. Hellboy II is as much about the characters as it is their adventure and I feel like del Toro balanced these nicely. Although the film is receiving overwhelming praise there are a few critics who did not like it. I’ve read several of these reviews and I personally just don’t get it. I certainly did not see the same film that they saw. The Hellboy II that I saw was visually arresting, funny, adventure-filled and a satisfying summer film.
If you’ve seen it I would love to hear your thoughts. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?
You know, I still need to see Hellboy. I’ve been saving it. We have the DVD, so I might watch it this weekend. 🙂 I’m so behind with films…
The chances of me seeing this are really REALLY slim since taxi fare doubled within the last week so not it would be 40.00 rd. trip..don’t think it’s gunna happen lol.. David is on vacation but the dang theater has no morning showing (when the aid would be here) so I just can’t get there…*sigh* I know i will buy the dvd but I really wanted to see it in the theater. I’ve always liked Ron Perlman and of course I adore Roy Dotrice who is the king (antlers and all). I know he only had a small part but I want to see it really bad!!
I am soooooooooooooo glad you enjoyed it! I’ve heard many good reports like yours!! I saw or read (memory loss here) an interview with Perlman and he said if they ask he’d be glad to continue the Hellboy movies!!
Who knew that Johann Krauss would be the source of good humor! I saw this a few nights ago, and not being a fan of the comic, thought it was ok. I’ll be interested in seeing what Del Toro does with The Hobbit!
Can’t wait to see this one! I was suppose to go last weekend, but the plans fell through. So very glad to hear that you liked it! I loved reading the posts on Neil Gaiman’s journal when he and his daughter were on set; the behind the scenes pics were wonderful, as was the commentary. I’m off to see Batman tonight and that’ll eat up my movie budget for a week or two, but I’ll definitely be catching Hellboy before it leaves the theater.
I’M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS MOVIE!!!My wife and I have made plans to see it tomorrow, I’ve got my fingers crossed that nothing derails our evening out…
The question of continuity doesn’t bother me at all as long as the nature of the story and of the characters remains consistent. Comic writers in general have a pretty long history of manipulating background histories and character origins to fit their story arcs – film adaptations aside, just look at how many versions of the Joker’s origin have been published over the years. I think that most (if not all) of the fans of the Hellboy/B.P.R.D. comics would agree that Guillermo has captured the essence of Mignola’s vision and translated it to film in a way that preserves everything that’s really important.
“If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?”
I’m just waiting for Saturday night, my friend!!
I didn’t see this one. But my kids did. They loved it. We went to see the Dark Knight yesterday. What a movie!
I saw this on Thursday and really enjoyed it (despite then having Barry Manilow stuck in my head for most of Friday). I haven’t read the graphic novels (yet), but my BF is a big fan of those, and was just as pleased with this movie as he was with the last.
Unfortunately Hellboy II doesn’t come to London for several weeks yet, but your review has certainly whetted my appetite, so thanks once again carl!
I’ll tell you what I’m waiting for – for them to release it over here! We still have about a month to go after they moved it back to avoid a Dark Night clash. I’ve been excited about this since the first rumours, having loved the first Hellboy film, but when clips and photos started to appear on the internet I was practically jumping up and down! I have a whole Hellboy day planned, watch the first, go for burgers, go to cinema. Hurrah!
Stormfilled: I certainly understand their wanting to avoid some of the Dark Knight competition. It seems especially wise considering the amount of money that movie is making over here (and I can say, after seeing it, it is not over-hyped). I’m sure your Hellboy day will be a ball!
Bride: Hope you get to see it when it does make its way across the shores.
Megan: You really should read the graphic novels, they are wonderful. Ha, me too! I loved the Barry Manilow moment, though. It was really fun.
Stephanie: Yes it was, I’ll be reviewing it soon.
Ken: I hope nothing derailed your evening either, Ken and I hope you enjoyed the film. I agree with your thoughts on continuity and del Toro.
Chelle: Batman is a good choice for the budget, no doubt about it. Hope you manage to see the big guy before he leaves the theatre.
Janet: It was a surprise, wasn’t it. I was very pleased with that aspect of the film.
Deslily: I am so sorry to hear that. If I was close I’d come pick you up and take you to the theater myself! I hope something happens and you manage to get to the movie, but if not it will be a fun one for DVD.
Quixotic: You do indeed need to watch the first one! Then get out to see the second.
I absolutely loved it! I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about Hellboy II since most sequels never quite cut it for me, but this one was well worth the price. The witty humor was all there, and the visuals were even more stunning than the first. The only thing that bothered me was perhaps the change in Liz’s flame color. I was rather fond of her blue flames in the first…but other than that minor detail, everything was great.
This sequel more than lived up to the hype for me and exceeded my expectations. Del Toro and Mignola I believe could be brothers because they are so on the same wave length. The Troll Market, The Singing, The Elemental and the fight scene on the wheels were stand out moments for me but most of all it’s they way that Del Toro makes you believe that these “monsters” are so human. He just gets me hook, line and sinker. As crazy as this sounds I can’t wait until he’s done with the 2 LOTR movies so he can starting working on Hellboy 3!
I absolutely adored it! The Troll Market is gonna be paused on dvd’s everywhere because it is sooooooo stuffed with wonderful amazing critters that are only on screen for a second.
I was thrilled that Abe Sapien’s part was much larger and more in depth with his character, (I adore Doug Jones). And, as i told a co-worker, when you can take a cringe-worthy moment, (when Barry Manilow starts up), and make it one of the strong points of the movie (emotion/character wise) you’re a genius.
Del Toro ROCKS!!!! and Hellboy II is a fun beautiful romp of a movie with unexpected depths.
I am looking forward to seeing Hellboy II again tonight with James. I’ll certainly be on the lookout for more goodies that I missed the first time around.
I’m waiting for it to come out at the cinema over here! Saw the trailer last night when watching Wanted. So many films coming out, I can’t cope!
Ah, Wanted. That was such a fun guilty pleasure movie.
Hi!
We are going to see this movie tonight.
I am looking forward to it as I am a fan of the graphic novels and the 1st movie.
By the way are you going to host the fall reading challenge again this year?
Just wondering as it has become a habit to start gathering spooky/gothic titles for fall reading now.
🙂
I’m definitely going to host it Paula. More info will be forth-coming in later July!!!
Just want to point out you stated ” forth-coming in later July!!! ” but you posted this on August 3rd. The heat’s really getting to you my friend. 🙂
Oops…I meant later August…and yes, the heat is definitely getting to me!!!
Yeah! I am already collecting all my favorite spooky gothic novels to read for the fall!