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Directed by Written by Starring Presented by Rated PG-13 120 minutes |
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HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY Review
In 2004, with the superhero movie in full motion, Guillermo del Toro released his favorite comic book hero in film form, HELLBOY, to theaters. While not as well known as Superman, Batman, or Spider-Man, Hellboy was a surprise hit that elevated the genre as well as establish del Toro as a blockbuster director. Since that time, del Toro has emerged as one of the top visionary directors today and he returns to his favorite character in a sequel that in many ways surpasses the original. When we last left Hellboy (a remarkable Ron Perlman), he was settling into his position as a member of the B.P.R.D. (The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense) with best friend Abe Sapien (Doug Jones, reprising the physical role but this time also providing the voice) and girlfriend Liz Sheridan (Selma Blair, also returning). Hellboy and Liz are not doing well in their attempt at living together and it threatens their relationship. They soon are to work on their next assignment; Elf Prince Nuada (Luke Goss) is part of an underground realm of elves who have made a truce with humans centuries earlier after a war involving the elves’ Golden Army, indestructible robots made out of “clockwork” that only respond to whoever wears the crown. To ensure that the Golden Army does not return, the crown is broken into three pieces. One is in the hands of the King, the second to his daughter, Princess Nuala (Anna Walton), and the third is in possession of the humans. After centuries in exile, Nuada decides now is the time to claim the crown and use the Golden Army to destroy the human race and claim Earth under his rule. When one of the pieces is stolen, it attracts the attention of the B.P.R.D, and in the process of investigating, their secret is brought upon the world and Hellboy becomes something of a media frenzy. The first HELLBOY was a splendid film, a great mix of action and comedy, and the sequel follows through with bigger action and even more laughs (with literally the same budget). Perlman is so perfect as Hellboy that it’s hard to see anyone else in the role. He makes it his own and even at a man reaching 60, he plays the twentysomething angst of Hellboy (his age in the movies) superbly. His scenes with Liz about their relationship are also terrific and Perlman and Blair, no pun intended, ignite the screen. Blair in particular has a wonderful transition from the uncertainty of her character in the first film to a strong, brave woman in complete control of her powers and her life. Doug Jones not only provides a great physical presence as Abe, but gives an emotionally powerful performance in voicing Abe as well. Abe is also given a great character arc as he falls in love with Princess Nuala, who hides from her brother inside B.P.R.D. A highlight is Hellboy and Abe, both drunk, complaining about the problems of love that will provide a first in the history of motion pictures. Seth MacFarlane of FAMILY GUY is also great providing the voice of the new leader of the unit, Johann Strauss, who is a spirit inside a suit reminiscent of a deep sea diver. For the villains, Goss has some great moments as the evil Nuada as well. Jeffrey Tambor also returns as the aloof Agent Manning, whom Hellboy shows no secrets in his disdain for the prickly man. The film opens up in a striking sequence where a child Hellboy is read the story of the Golden Army by his “father,” Professor Bruttenholm (John Hurt returning in a cameo) and Hellboy’s vision of the battles with marionettes used as humans is nothing short of brilliant. The film’s action sequences are well done but del Toro has such a great touch for fantasy that there are truly some stunning visuals (including some that you may say could fit into PAN’S LABRYNTH as well). The film’s final act is interesting and ends everything on a great note, especially one that doesn’t leave you hanging for a follow up (which truthfully the first film did as well, so it’s cool to see that these films can stand out on their own). In all, HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY is great entertainment and a worthy sequel that further shows the adventures of the Dark Horse Comics superhero. It may get lost in the loop being sandwiched between HANCOCK and THE DARK KNIGHT, but it’s the perfect film for fans of the superhero film, and del Toro fans will not be disappointed in the least. Go see it. HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY: 8 Out Of 10 Maggots
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