Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Guillermo Del Toro did exactly what was expected of him. The film looks like it cost three times as much as it actually did, and the parade of entertaining action scenes, monsters and original ideas is almost never-ending. Unfortunately, the film loses its pace when it works with emotions. Nevertheless, Hellboy and his crew saving the world from an invincible army is definitely worth a cinema visit, because it's still a damn good film. (08/11/2008)

If you love him, then you have nothing to worry about, and this especially true in the case of the Big Red Guy. The second film is more balanced, visually more varied, more action-packed and funny as far as the characters are concerned. Hellboy's sarcasm and scenes from family life with Liz are great, and Abe was great, too. However, the script was once again problematic. It is shallower than it should be and nowhere is it written that the audience will not be irritated by the evident focus on the Hobbit. Yet, I was fascinated by the fantasy garb of the story, and Guillermo at least had plenty of room for his cute monsters and creatures from another dimension. It still seems to me, though, that Hellboy could be better - it just needs a more dignified plot. Anyway, a strong ****, out of love for rounded corners, I round up. (08/30/2008)

Hellboy 2 was supposed to be a non-narrative film from the start. The giants rising from the ground, giant flowers that bloom during death, and winged reapers could have silently told a story on their own, and their presence alone would have worked visually even as metaphor, which they are. They work on a fundamental level; everything around them does not. (09/15/2013)

Hellboy II is the most fantastic and beautiful fantasy movie since The Return of the King. Guillermo del Toro loves these monsters and you can feel it from this movie’s every pore. The Forest Elemental made me fall on my knees. There is not one but two love motifs, a ton of cool humor and colorful visuals tastefully blended with the fantasy world without a single tacky shot. And the film is NOT overstuffed or chaotic as some accuse it of being. Del Toro is a true magician with a clear vision, who is able to execute it with perfectionism. (09/21/2008)

It may hold together less than part one, on the other hand Hellboy II is full of enthusiasm and enough fantasy for another ten movies. Guillermo gives the movie the heart and playfulness of a young child who loved old fairytales and fantasy stories. I used to be like that too and maybe that’s why I gave The Golden Army a full set of stars. In fact, I’m rather disappointed that del Toro signed up for Tolkien’s Hobbit because he’s need elsewhere. Because of him we are going to have to wait longer for the third Hellboy than I would like. I’m going to miss this red guy’s world and I won’t even mention the shelving of the adaptation of Lovecraft’s ‘At the Mountains of Madness’. (10/02/2008)