Better than 1 but still not up to scratch

Rating: 5/10 (25 August 2008)

First things first: let's be honest, the first film was rubbish. For me the glaring oversight was not having a brilliantly stonking heavy metal (ish) soundtrack: the film was crying out for something gutsy to push it up. The soundtrack here was no better but it wasn't so obvious. There is a fascinating plot, and enough story development left over for a third film if del Toro fancies it. The special effects of all the characters were fantastic, particularly the Forest Elemental.
All that said, however briefly, this film was still hugely disappointing to me. There was little, if anything, about it to make you jump up and say "That was a brilliant film". I know I've said it already, but for me, this genre of film NEEDS a rock/metal score. There needs to be more emotional connection with the main characters, and someone needs to give Perlman a chance to use his huge range of acting ability, rather than being an overgrown adolescent with red skin.
To conclude, I'd say go and see it, but keep your expectations low if you want to really enjoy it.