The Dark Masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (20 September 2008)

No, I'm not talking about the crazy neighborhood Bat , but Hellboy 2. I was finally able to see it and it was fantastic. Guillermo Del Toro is one of the most exciting directors in Hollywood these days and Mike Mignola is arguably the most talented artist/writer working in the comic book industry. So it's no surprise they delivered a very nuanced story that was dark, humorous and had rich deep mythology. In Mignolas world elves are disturbing dark creatures, not the Arwens or Legola's that we are used to seeing. Tooth fairies, trolls and elves have grown up. And they've become twisted dark, angry creatures.
I have never seen such a beautiful movie before (save for Pan's Labyrinth). The creatures and the special effects alone are worth seeing but when you have a rich story as well...I mean it's amazing. When was the last time you saw a comic book movie where your protagonist loses a fight because he is too drunk? Or sings love songs, badly? Hellboy is more human than all the other superheroes dressed in silly latex suits combined. He is narcissistic, short tempered and oh yes pretty strong. Oh and his destiny is to destroy the entire world.
But it's not all good. Danny Elfmans score sucks big time. The guy needs to learn some subtlety. You don't need to hammer away when ever a dramatic moment happens in a movie. Also you just know that the movie will end up in a climatic battle between the protagonist and the antagonist. Every superhero movie ends like that. Even the good ones.
Still, it's amazing how well Del Toro is able to juggle between the humorous moments and the dark themes. The Nature vs Nurture thing that is so essential to Hellboy mythos is explored even further than in the last movie.
Hellboy 2 is one of the best comic book movies I have seen. If not the best.