A wonderfully thrilling fantasy!!!

Rating: 8/10 (13 July 2008)

Hellboy II thrives in all areas; the performances are top-notch, the script is sharp, and the production and make-up design is nothing short of Oscar-worthy. Director Guillermo del Toro has followed up 2006's masterpiece Pan's Labyrinth with one of the best movies of the summer.
When the Heir to the Throne of an ancient civilization of elves plots to awaken the deadly and indestructible Golden Army, it is up to the societal outcasts at the Federal Bureau for Paranormal Research to save the day, once again led by their witty, charismatic, and endearing leader Hellboy.
As far as fantasy films go, this one might go down in my book as one of the best. The monsters are something amazing to behold, creations to stick with you long after you leave the theater. The action sequences are well-shot and quick. The special effects deliver perfectly. Most amazing of all though, is the real character and endearing story injected into all of it. It's easy to fall in love with these freaks, especially played to such perfection by Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, and Doug Jones.
I suppose I can see how Hellboy would not delight everyone. It is a fantastical story, not based at all in reality and it is a film that delights in making it's audience chuckle. For me that ability to laugh makes it all the more endearing. Easily one of my favorite films of the summer! 8/10 stars!
Jay Addison