Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008 )

I have to start by saying that I have become a big fan of Guillermo Del Toro. The Devil’s Backbone and Pan’s Labyrinth were a large part of that. The original Hellboy was very enjoyable. This film blended many of the things that I have enjoyed most into one story.

While watching the film, there were familiar moments that could have been ripped from the Star Wars cantina scene, or from Men In Black. Yet, these didn’t feel as gratuitous as they could have, almost more of an homage. But where this film sets itself apart from the original was that it had a more distinct feel of fantasy in it. Pan’s Labyrinth was obviously an influence to the ‘characters’ in it. (What is it about del Toro and creatures with eyes in unusual places?) There is much more a fairy tale feel to Golden Army.

All the usuals are back for this incarnation. Ron Perlman was consistent with his first portrayal. Selma Blair is an actress that I have always enjoyed watching, she is “hot” in this one as well. Jeffrey Tambor, John Hurt and Doug Jones are back too. Is there a better creature actor than Jones? I doubt it.

There were times, while watching the movie, that I thought, “That would be cool in a video game”. Some of the action felt like it was straight out of a game. In fact, if you ever played “BioShock” there were a couple of scenes that felt very familiar. The Ectoplasmic guy made me feel that every time he was on screen.

This movie is not going to win an academy award (OK, maybe special effects, but Dark Knight will probably sweep those), but it was a hell of a lot of fun to watch. In fact, I probably liked it as much, if not a touch more, than Dark Night (oh, the heresy, at least Ron Perlman doesn’t feel the need to go all gravelly throated for his voice.). If you liked the first one, go see this one. Particularly in a theater. The large screen and sound make the golden army seem so much more intimidating.