Finally saw this today and thought it was simply stunning, awesome movie, and if it wasnt for TDK, it would have been my favourite movie of the year so far.
There were a few flaws, the young Hellboy at the beginning being by far the biggest one though, even though it was welcome to see John Hurt as Broom again, the young Hellboy was a poor effort in my book, though thankfully the animated prologue that accompanied it was superb. But the whole movie just got better and better as it went on.
The nods to the first movie were great, but it was the new characters that really captured the imagination in this excellent sequel, Johann was the pinnacle of these, he was spot on with his comic book counterpart (I really hope him and Hellboy meet in the comics in the future), totally accurate and just an excellent character all round. Nuada, Nuala, Mister Wink, The Golden Army and The Elemental were also superb new additions, and all had their moments, all of which were superb.
But thankfully they didnt overshadow the existing character's, all of whom seemed stronger and more fleshed out, especially Hellboy himself, Abe and Liz, and also surprisingly Manning.
The action was definately a notch above the first movie, and thankfully there were plenty of highlights. These included both fights with Nuada, the fight with Mr Wink which was straight out of the comics (especially with Mr Wink's retractable metal hand) Abe getting a little action was also great, and especially the fights with The Elemental (which was also surprisingly emotional) and the fight with The Golden Army. Seeing Hellboy and Johann kicking Golden Army ass together was just superb.
The movie also had the trademark GDT scene's of heart and emotion, which the action thankfully never overshadows in his movies and are always an integral part to them, and, hopefully some other director's learn this, normally make the movie.
My dissapointments were few, I hated the fact that they changed the score from the first movie, as I just generally hate it when franchises do that, but it didnt affect my enjoyment too much. The only other dissapointment was that Hellboy just seemed a bit weak compared to his comic book counterpart. One stab in the chest wouldnt kill the CB Hellboy, and in fact, in Darkness Calls, the most recent HB TPB, it was stated that HB is deathless, like his enemy in that book Koshchei. But this is a minor gripe, and the movie, despite not being based on an existing comic book storyline, had plenty of nods to the superb comics, especially at the end when Hellboy quits. Also, was it me, or did The Golden Army look like the robots The Left Hand tried to ressurect in BPRD:Hollow Earth?
Overall though, a superb Hellboy and CB movie and I say bring on the 3rd movie, which I sincerely hope happens. One request though please Guillermo, please go back on your word and give us Roger in HB3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9/10, which could rise with a 2nd viewing.
The film explores a couple of themes really nicely without hitting you over the head with them, not as funny as Hellboy IMO but a stronger story and better action. The prosthetic work is peerless and the effects are tremendous on the budget, the golden army and the Elemental in particular were impressive.
t:
