One of the Best Sequels Ever Made

Rating: 10/10 (21 January 2019)

I rented Hellboy 2 off of iTunes with high expectations. After I surprisingly fell in love with the first movie, I figured to give the sequel a shot. I was so excited to watch it and I couldn't stop thinking about it. When I finally got to see it, I was blown away. This movie is definitely on par with the original in my opinion.
Ron Perlman as Red delivers once more. I really enjoyed his interactions with everyone, especially with newcomer Johann Krauss. Red is amazing as always in any scene that he's in. Despite being hated by other people and being reminded of his destiny, Hellboy still proves that he has a heart of gold. I really liked how he was willing to spare the forest god and how he refused to kill Nuada even after the latter almost killed him. Red knew that his friend loved Nuala so he spared the prince's life. I also loved how he told Abe that he'd give his life for Liz. Red is still a true hero in the end.
Hellboy's allies are amazing in this sequel as well. While Myers is in Antarctica (hilariously said by Hellboy and Liz), Johann Krauss has come to watch Red and he doesn't disappoint. Krauss' by the book nature and German accent lead to some hilarious comedy. The funniest part was when he and Red are in the locker room together. Krauss pronounced 'focus' in a really funny way and then beat Red up which was funny because Krauss is technically a ghost. Agent Manning was a lot funnier in this film as well and Selma Blair's performance as Liz was spectacular. I really felt her pain, especially when she had to choose between Red and the world. Red's interactions with Abe was also great. Abe got more screen time which I loved. My fave scene in the whole movie was when he and Red sang 'Can't Smile Without You' together while thinking of their loved ones.
Nuada and Nuala were great characters too. Nuala was pretty but also brave, kind, and selfless. She gave her life to protect her new friends from her brother which I thought was very brave. Nuada is an amazing villain. Unlike most villains, Nuada does not simply want power by taking control of the Golden Army, he wants to reclaim the glory from what once was his home. He's also an extremely capable fighter and any scene where he battles someone, I got really excited. Nuada also cared for his sister and bodyguard Mr. Wink which was nice since many villains don't care for their henchman.
The visual were amazing in this movie as well as the fight scenes. My heart was pounding when Nuada fought Red and I almost cried when the former stabbed Red. The Angel of Death was very creepy and disturbing. The Golden Army itself was breathtaking. At first I thought, "these guys aren't so bad" when Red and Johann kept destroying them. When the army began to rebuild themselves, I was like, "oh crap." The song "Can't smile without you" appropriately fits this movie as Liz and Red need each other while Abe loves Nuala.
I wish there was third film to continue the story of Red becoming a father and being with Liz. However, I fear that if a third film would happen, then we'd all have to say goodbye to Red in the context that he dies. The Angel told Liz that if Hellboy lives than she will suffer greatly. I interpreted this as that Red will die. This is due to the fact that Liz was willing to give up the world for him and that if he dies, she will suffer. I feel that Red would die from either two ways: 1). he turns evil and Liz has to kill him or 2). he gives his life to save Liz and his friends or to stop himself/the bad guy from killing all of humanity. This is just a theory but I do not want to watch Red face death once more. As far as I'm concerned though, this sequel was amazing and Red will live happily ever after with Liz as a father.
PS. the scene in the beginning was great. Red was just like any other child on Christmas eve and professor broom is always so kind and wonderful. What else can I say besides, "I can't smile without Red."