Hellboy II: The Golden Army

[frogboy4]

Director of Pan's Labyrinth, Guillermo del Toro returns to helm Hellboy 2. The original film was the only contender to knock Mel Gibson's Passion off the number one spot back in 2004. I appreciate the irony in that, but people get the wrong idea about the Hellboy character. He's a misunderstood hero/victim of circumstance created by comic book artist Mike Mignola. It's still a good vs. evil story.

I'm not an expert on the character, but the last film combined several pre-existing story lines while this sequel is an entirely new story concept created especially for this film. That means it gets the best ideas from del Toro and Mignola instead of trying to replicate a graphic novel. It is said that del Toro wants a trilogy, but only if it will be the final Hellboy picture. That'll be an interesting contract to ink. It's funny because Columbia-Tri-Star released the first film, but Universal backed this one. I suppose there won't be a box set down the line.

The cast enjoys the film and characters so much that they have not only returned to reprise their roles for the film, they also lend their voices to the animated incarnation. This is very much a labor of love for all involved.

It comes out this weekend, July 11th, opposite Journey to the Center of the Earth. The Dark Knight and Mamma Mia open the following weekend. Great summer for films! Anyone else have thoughts on Hellboy 2?

 

[Ilikemuppets]

I think it's will beat Journey to the caner of the earth. That one looks quite silly to me. I think they could have executed it better but I'm exactly sure it that's possible?

 

[Beakerfan]

Oh my gosh, I am FREAKIN EXCITED about this movie! Guillermo del Toro is my all-time favorite director at the moment. I absolutely love his style, his creatures, and above all, HIM! Seriously, if I ever wanted someone to make a movie about me/as a tribute to me, it had gosh darn better be him! His mind seems to work the same way mine does, which a lot of people don't understand. Surrealists don't veiw the world like everyone else does. They veiw it well, surrealistically, lol. I would love to work with him some day. Heck, I would love to just pick his brain for a few minutes some day.

 

[frogboy4]

Just saw Hellboy2 Friday night and the theater was packed! Seeing the first film isn't a requirement, but it will provide the viewer with more investment in the characters. A- in my book.

This film is very much a labor of love for all those involved. I'm sure the Columbia Tri-Star executives are kicking themselves for giving the rights to Universal (who amazingly gave del Toro complete freedom). It's a fun, fast, freaky picture that may very well get a sequel once Del Toro finishes up with the Hobbit. He claims that's what he wants to do, but with one stipulation: that Hellboy3 be the last live action film to be made for the franchise. I'd like him to keep making these films forever, but score one for integrity.

This film is a perfect example of a director using his GC toolbox well...and even often...to get a good result for the film. Nothing in the effects is gimmicky. Everything lends a lush style to the story. Ooooh, the Hobbit is going to be in good hands under del Toro's direction and Jackson's production. It will reportedly have the same feel, but with some del Toro influence added. The meeting of brilliant minds!

 

[Beakerfan]

GAHHHH! I LOVE GUILLERMO DEL TORO! I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM! ................. erm, sorry, I just had to get another one of those out. You know what? My brother and sister-in-law took my sister to see Hellboy 2 but didn't invite me. I'm still mad at them.

 

[frogboy4]

GAHHHH! I LOVE GUILLERMO DEL TORO! I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM! ................. erm, sorry, I just had to get another one of those out. You know what? My brother and sister-in-law took my sister to see Hellboy 2 but didn't invite me. I'm still mad at them.

As you should be! I'm fortunate to live next door to an AMC multiplex. Top films, no waiting. He he. I did view this film a little closer and toward the left of the screen than I would have liked, but it didn't matter. I loved it!

 

[Beakerfan]

Ooh, is that sorta like the IMAX theatre? I went to the one in San Francisco once (bay area girl) - didn't get to see a movie though unfortunately - and it was incredible! I've never been in a theatre that magnificent before! All the theatres around here are pretty small (I think the largest is 16 cinemas).

 

[frogboy4]

Ooh, is that sorta like the IMAX theatre? I went to the one in San Francisco once (bay area girl) - didn't get to see a movie though unfortunately - and it was incredible! I've never been in a theatre that magnificent before! All the theatres around here are pretty small (I think the largest is 16 cinemas).

The Sony Metreon houses the multiplex with Imax and 3D theaters (strangely not playing Journey to the Center of the Earth). There's a new cinema-plex across the street in the shopping center. There's also the AMC Van Ness multiplex. All three of these are new additions since my moving here. It used to be a pain getting to movie theater locations, but now there's variety. There are also many indie theaters around the city.

 

[Ilikemuppets]

I really have been wanting to see the hobbit movie!

 

[Beakerfan]

The Sony Metreon houses the multiplex with Imax and 3D theaters (strangely not playing Journey to the Center of the Earth). There's a new cinema-plex across the street in the shopping center. There's also the AMC Van Ness multiplex. All three of these are new additions since my moving here. It used to be a pain getting to movie theater locations, but now there's variety. There are also many indie theaters around the city.

Awesome! Heck, I've probably walked right past your place. I love San Francisco.