A beautifully realized romantic fantasy

Rating: 9/10 (14 July 2008)

When the prince of elves decides that he and his kind have had enough of mankind and their encroaching upon their lands, he decides to get the pieces of the magic crown that will allow him to awaken the magical golden army. Fortunately for mankind Hellboy, Liz Abe and friends are standing on the front line.
Grand fantasy of the highest order with more than just a touch of romance tossed in this is one of the best films of the year. Remember how uneven the first movie was with the character scenes playing better than the action scenes? Remember how good those scenes- like Hellboy on the roof were? Thats this whole movie- its all character driven- even in the action scenes. Its wonderful.
This is a film that takes you somewhere else and makes you feel something. Its both heady and entertaining in a way that Wall-E isn't. I loved that for two hours I was somewhere else that was kind of like New York but isn't. I loved that this is a full realized world that all makes sense. I loved that you feel something. The romance in this film is magical. The emotion is so touching. I was crying on numerous occasions.
This is a great film.
Is it perfect? No. I could nitpick it apart but what would be the point? It is what it is. Its magical and marvelous and wonderful.
And if you loved this film-or if you loved the legend John Hurt reads to the youthful Hellboy- you must see Strings. Strings is a magical film done with marionettes and is one of the most amazing fantasies I've ever seen (and I think its slowly becoming one of my favorite films). The opening legend has the feel of that film.
9 out of 10 See it on the big screen if you can.