Great Improvent Than The First Part

Rating: 8/10 (8 February 2010)

After watching the first "Hellboy" movie, I though it was one of the most oddest movie I ever saw. Sure I enjoyed it immensely, I though there were a few quips that needed more further explaining. But I digress to say that it succeeded into capturing a fantasy and making it as real as possible. "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" steps up the ante an extra foot to let it's audience enter into a world of magical creatures, awesome heroes, and colorful villains plenty of jam-packed adventures that should keep every "Hellboy" fan intrigued.
The smooth-flowing introduction reveals his origins and a fairy tale about an epic battle where humans engaged in a war with the magical creatures over land that opened up for an elite group known as The Golden Army.After the extreme rubble that the army has done, the King makes a pact with the humans by letting them reside in the cities, while the creatures have complete access to the forest. The Crown which was in the army's possession has been split into three pieces and the Army was then buried. Prince Nuada (the Woodland King's son) abandons the area, and will only return if ever needed by the villagers.
The fairy tale story is presented with an immaculate fashion, but the character development has improved immensely from it predecessor, and that every character in this story enjoys their little fun in the sun.Not one character, big or small usurps anyone.
The relationship between Hellboy and Liz (Ron Perlman and Selma Blair). The chemistry between them goes beyond the parameters of love at first sight as their commitment is more panned out. However, a quarrel takes shape which eventually breaks into an ungodly inferno. Doug Jones' Abe Sapien gets more screen time and falls smitten over Princess Nuala, (Nuada's twin sister)and one of the keepers of the broken crown. It's great that Abe is more involved in the story than just a mere sidekick. Newbie to the story is Johan Krauss also has plenty of moments for himself and becomes a formidable protagonist to the heroes. The only weak link is Jeffrey Tambor who's just a low-key comic foil as an agent assigned to watch over the veil of secrecy that they abide by.
The best character of the ensemble of characters is the Prince Nuada mostly due to the complexities of his personality. If he wanted to, he could have been the typical evil villain, but I see him as a misunderstood individual who conducts rightful things in an evil way because that's how he accomplishes things. It's such a refreshing break from all the other tiring clichéd video-game reject villains who's conquer the world purposes get to be tiring and repetitive. Here we see a villain who's actually not trying to be powerful for his own selfish agenda, but for the sake of others.
The sequel to "Hellboy" expands more in the creature and special effect market thanks brilliantly to creature specialist Guillermo del Toro who directed this movie. It's good that the effects looked more real as opposed to the cheesy computer graphics that has been plaguing our screens for years.The characters come on when the scenes were needed of them and everything was handled nuanced. Even the masterful score of Danny Elfman contributes as the story progresses.
In the end "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" makes for a satisfying movie that's more complete than the first installment that unites the real and surreal very subtle that will surely please everyone of all ages and never insults your intelligent. And look out for the amazing Barry Manilow number too.