By Ryan Parsons | Image property of Universal Pictures, AICN
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
I never doubted Hellboy II: The Golden Army. Though the first film felt like it was missing some of the extra sizzle, the sequel's boosted er, everything not only adds more charm than a single film should be able to hold, but impressive effects, creatures and action sequences to boot. The film looks like the prime example of what one expects from summer blockbusters.
Due out in only a couple of weeks, I am astonished that it has taken this long to get a screening report/review online. Fortunately for us, the film's first review gives it high marks.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Considering that I still feel Guillermo del Toro got absolutely mugged at last year's Oscars. No. Wait. He got pickpocketed, then punched, then pissed on by Oscars for not receiving the award for Pan's Labyrinth...
The director has already earned and readily deserves our elevated expectations of
Hellboy II: The Golden Army. The first review to appear over AICN can't help but make one giddy.
This is a quality worth celebrating.
Until then, rejoice in the light melancholy of del Toro's best studio effort to date! Whereas HELLBOY succeeded despite the worst, homogenizing efforts of the studio (Sony), HELLBOY II flourishes because it feels like 100%, unadulterated Guillermo; true, he might be playing nicer than usual, but the monsters are still a thing of rare, grotesque, meticulously-designed beauty.
Del Toro's always had a thing for tragic romanticism, but he's careful not to let the downbeat destiny of seemingly every character detract from HELLBOY II's buoyancy of spirit. This is as big-hearted a superhero movie as I've seen since SPIDER-MAN 2 (thematically, del Toro is definitely on the same wavelength as Raimi), and it's a welcome respite when you've been bombarded with the dour duo of HANCOCK and WANTED in the same week.
Check out the entire review for Hellboy II: The Golden Armyhere.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army opens to theaters on July 11th.
Add to Heffee!
