When the first Hellboy was released it was to a relatively small audience in comparison to other comic book movies, but for the big, red, relatively unknown superhero there was enough potential to grab a sequel.
With the first movie, and comics in mind, the plot seems perfect: a rebellion by mythical creatures to overthrow humanities rule using the titular army. It is reminiscent of many stories within the comics but has a more grandiose scope, yet retaining the intimate focus on Hellboy and his companions.
Ron Perlman again shows why no-one else could play Hellboy and Selma Blair is just as impressive as the slightly less depressed Liz, but Abe Sapien is where the troubles begin. While Doug Jones reprises his role as the visage for Abe, he also takes over the voicing duties from David Hyde Pierce, but misses the mark just slightly. His love story with Princess Nuala (Anna Walton) is touching, if a little under-developed, but Luke Goss' Prince Nuada is the true star of the sequel. His on-screen prescence is electrifying and the film seemed to pick up every time he had a role to play.
Director Guillermo Del Toro utilises CGI sparingly, preferring stunt work and elaborate costumes and animatronics to bring his creatures to life and it pays dividends, with the troll market being particularly mesmerising. Complimenting this is the cinematography of Del Toro's long time collaborator, Guillermo Navarro who creates enchanting beauty with some sparse or rather dreary scenery.
Despite some dialogue which seemed a little off, the movie showed Hellboy as the brawler he is supposed to be (the fight with Wink in particular), and went more in depth with his duelling duty and purpose, getting to the heart of the character, despite focusing less on the Right Hand of Doom.
While not perfect, there is much to be enjoyed in this unique comic book adaptation, including Barry Manilow.
8/10
With the first movie, and comics in mind, the plot seems perfect: a rebellion by mythical creatures to overthrow humanities rule using the titular army. It is reminiscent of many stories within the comics but has a more grandiose scope, yet retaining the intimate focus on Hellboy and his companions.
Ron Perlman again shows why no-one else could play Hellboy and Selma Blair is just as impressive as the slightly less depressed Liz, but Abe Sapien is where the troubles begin. While Doug Jones reprises his role as the visage for Abe, he also takes over the voicing duties from David Hyde Pierce, but misses the mark just slightly. His love story with Princess Nuala (Anna Walton) is touching, if a little under-developed, but Luke Goss' Prince Nuada is the true star of the sequel. His on-screen prescence is electrifying and the film seemed to pick up every time he had a role to play.
Director Guillermo Del Toro utilises CGI sparingly, preferring stunt work and elaborate costumes and animatronics to bring his creatures to life and it pays dividends, with the troll market being particularly mesmerising. Complimenting this is the cinematography of Del Toro's long time collaborator, Guillermo Navarro who creates enchanting beauty with some sparse or rather dreary scenery.
Despite some dialogue which seemed a little off, the movie showed Hellboy as the brawler he is supposed to be (the fight with Wink in particular), and went more in depth with his duelling duty and purpose, getting to the heart of the character, despite focusing less on the Right Hand of Doom.
While not perfect, there is much to be enjoyed in this unique comic book adaptation, including Barry Manilow.
8/10
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