Why I Love Comics

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army

This evening I sat down to watch Hellboy 2: The Golden Army which was directed by Guillermo del Toro and co-written by Mike Mignola, the creator of the character. I can't speak highly enough of the movie I just watched as it was beautifully cast and directed. The surroundings, the CGI, the puppetry and all around production was strong. You could honestly not tell just how much was CGI and how much puppetry. The characters of the Hellboy movieverse all fit in both the human world and the world of supernatural.

The plot has us following Prince Nuada (Luke Goss) who feels like the human's have taken advantage of his father's peace treaty. Soon, due to his actions, the BPRD is called in to investigate and clean up the mess. This leads to Hellboy (Ron Perlman) basking in some very positive media attention. The adventure soon has Abe (Doug Jones) falling in love with the Princess (Anna Walton) and the BRPD gaining the new agent (Seth Macfarlane) Johann Krauss.

Selma Blair's Liz Sherman becomes, once again, the backbone for the picture which is good, especially seeing that Liz has a bit more control on her power all the while holding a very big secret from Hellboy. In this reviewers honest opinion, her power has been greatly improved in the cgi department.

The one scene most people will remember throughout the whole movie will be when Hellboy and the team enter the troll market which is definitely this generations Cantina scene (of Star Wars fame). Del Toro literally packs what seems to be over 20 creatures into the market and you honestly miss something if you even so much as blink. That said, it never becomes a burden... it all feels real and very believable.

Doug Jones plays a total of 3 characters in this movie. Obviously, one being Abe Sapien who he now not only acts but voices. His other two characters are real treats as one of them feels like one of the more memorable creatures of the movie.

Johann Krauss is actually played by two different men, which i'm sure will be overlooked by Seth's performance as the voice. Seth, at moments, manages to completely steal the film from his co-stars. I think this would not be possible without the men who acted in the suit. His accent is believable as well as fully understandable and he shares two of the best fight scenes in the movie (though it's more the character then the voice).

Speaking of the fight scenes, for the movie I'd say they are actually a step above the original. Prince Nuada and Hellboy go face to face in a brilliant drag out brawl that leaves the audience on the top of their seats. There are at least five big fight scenes in the movie and a few smaller ones that were all beautifully choreographed and definitely a highlight to see.

Ron Perlman's Hellboy continues to grow and truly encapsulate a character that comic fans love. Whether he was trying to dish out advice to his best friend, protect the woman he loves or save the world... it was all very well acted.

This is definitely worth the money and a fun movie just clocking in at a little over two hours. I'd say go out and see it right after reading this review.

Eric Ratcliffe is a young writer/pop culture journalist/interviewer currently working on pitching a project named the Hunter chronicles. When not reading his weekly stack Eric can be found watching dvd's, playing on his 360 (gamertag: Zack Hunter) or just surfing online trying to find a scoop or two. Brand new to the Comic Related family, Eric is a fun new voice.