Guillermo Del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) revisits Mike Mignola's comic book creation, bringing his extensive visual imagination and a love of the macabre to the tale. Hellboy (Ron Perlman) is a demon that, after being summoned by and then rescued from the Nazis in WW2, shaved off his horns and grew up to become a defender against the forces of darkness. He works at the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defence, alongside amphibious comrade Abe Sapien (former mime, Doug Jones) and pyrokinetic girlfriend Liz Sherman (Selma Blair).
The sequel to 2004's Hellboy sees ambitious Elf prince Nuada declare war on humanity, seeking to discover and unleash the invincible Golden Army. The good guys, this time aided by ectoplasmic German mystic Johann Krauss (voiced by Family Guy's Seth MacFarlane), must stop him at all costs.
Just as fellow 2008 blockbuster The Dark Knight improved on its predecessor, Hellboy II manages to expand on what was great about the original without having to set up central characters or create a universe from scratch. As such, the sequel explodes from the get go, balancing humour, heart and action to create a hugely fun fantasy extravaganza.
Full reviewIf the film is just as strange and endearing as its glowing protagonist -- and it is -- that's because the director and co-writer (with Mignola) is Guillermo del Toro, 43, who has the wildest imagination and grandest ambitions of anybody in modern movies.
Full reviewThe whole affair is pulpy, jokey, sometimes touching and frequently nonsensical: a big mess and, mostly, a lot of fun.
Full review
The wickedly wacky Mexican director proves that and much, much more in his astoundingly good follow-up to 2004's highly original - but underrated - Hellboy.
Full review
It's in the script, however, that del Toro the writer falls a wee bit short of del Toro the visionary.
Full review
As much Tolkien's baby as Mignola's, this has more heart and humour than most fantasy films can dream of. Hellaciously good.
Full review
Hellboy II smacks you in the face with such a rare sense of surprise, awe and original spectacle that any qualms about possible overindulgence are swept away.
Full reviewKeep track of the movies you're waiting for and get the latest movie and tv release news.
Or Sign in with your Email Address
Don’t have a Flicks Account?
Keep track of the movies you're waiting for and get the latest movie and tv release news.
Or Sign up with your Email Address
Already have a Flicks Account?
Don’t have a Flicks Account?
Remembered your password?
To post ratings/reviews we need a username. This is what will appear next to your ratings and reviews.
Share