Guillermo Del Toro Weekend – Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Writer: Guillermo del Toro, Mike Mignola (Screenplay) Mike Mignola (Comic Book)

Starring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, John Alexander, Luke Goss, Anna Walton

Plot: The mythical world starts a rebellion against humanity in order to rule the Earth, so Hellboy and his team must save the world from the rebellious creatures.

There may be spoilers the rest of the review

Verdict: Fair Tale Comic Book

Story: Hellboy II: The Golden Army starts with a quick recap on how Hellboy came about, before entering into a time period between the two events 1955. we see Professor Bloom (Hurt) (Returning after dying in the first film) telling a young Hellboy a fairy tale about the elves in their battles and the birth of The Golden Army. The story follows that a crown that can control the Golden Army is separated into three, one for the humans and the other two spilt between the Prince and Princess.

Back to present day we meet Prince Nuada (Goss) who comes to Earth to reclaim part of the crown given to the humans. Hellboy (Perlman) is still getting himself in trouble by being witnessed again, but he is struggling to cope with his new relationship with Liz (Blair).

When Prince Nuada decides to declare war on the humans he must first kill his father before leading his people into battle, he must find his sister Princess Nuala (Walton) who has the final part the crown. Hellboy and his team with their new leader Johann Krauss must learn to work together to stop the elf war.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army is by far the most unique comic book films I have seen, I loved the full blown fairy tale side to the story that made the villain almost the most important because he is actually fighting for what he believes to be right. Unlike most films were there is evil is all about destruction this one wanted power. I do think this is the most underrated comic book of recent years. The only negative side to this film would be that the character bought into make a future character no longer exists in the film. (8/10)

Actor Review

Ron Perlman: Hellboy is still struggling with the loss of his father as well a struggling with his relationship with Liz. He must work with a new leader who he doesn’t get along with as thy enter the elf under world to save the world again. Hellboy also tries his hardest to be accepted by the world who starts to question his motives. Ron continues to shine in this role using his flair throughout the film. (8/10)

Selma Blair: Liz Sherman is the love interest of Hellboy who ha the ability to turn into fire, she makes for great partner in combat as Hellboy can’t gt hurt by fire but she wants to live a normal life too. Selma does a good job building upon her character from the first outing. (7/10)

Luke Goss: Prince Nuada is the elf prince who wants to go back to war with the humans from the elf underworld. He wants to take his place back believing the humans are no longer worthy of walking the Earth. Luke does a good job in this role making for a good villain. (7/10)

Anna Walton: Princess Nuala is the twin sister of Prince Nuada who still wants to respect the ways of her father and must team up with Hellboy to prevent her brother from committing his war. Anna does a god job making for a god supporting character addition. (7/10)

Support Cast: Hellboy II: The Golden Army builds on the supporting characters added with brilliant fantasy characters bought into the elf world as well as the returning characters working with Hellboy.

Director Review: Guillermo del Toro – Guillermo brings us his fantasy element to a comic book making him the absolute perfect choice to direct. (10/10)

Action: Hellboy II: The Golden Army is filled with action pack battles against different fantasy figures. (8/10)

Fantasy: Hellboy II: The Golden Army puts us in the middle of a battle between elves and human giving this a real fantasy feel throughout. (9/10)

Settings: Hellboy II: The Golden Army creates a mix of real settings and fantasy underworld settings that make this a much more beautiful film. (9/10)
Special Effects: Hellboy II: The Golden Army brings us stunning effects to create the alternative world for the action to take place. (9/10)

Suggestion: Hellboy II: The Golden Army is one all comic book fans just have to watch. (Watch)

Best Part: Getting drunk.

Worst Part: Though John is written out easily enough I feel his character still had something to add to the story.

Action Scene Of The Film: Planet creature in Brooklyn.

Funniest Scene: Locker room fight.

Believability: No (0/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Chances of Sequel: There is constant talk of a sequel.

Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: Nominated for one Oscar

Box Office: $75 Million

Budget: $85 Million

Runtime: 2 Hours

Tagline: From the visionary director of Pan’s Labyrinth

Trivia: David Hyde Pierce did the voice of Abe Sapien in Hellboy (2004), while Doug Jonesplayed the physical part. For Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008), Jones also does the voice. The reason is because the producers hoped Pierce’s name would make the first film a box-office smash. But he refused to be credited because he felt Abe Sapien was Jones’ work, and as such did no promotions or interviews, or even attended the premiere.

Overall: The most unique and brilliant comic book film.

Rating