Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and some language.
Directed by Guillermo del Toro (The Orphanage, Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy)
Starring Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Luke Goss, Thomas Kretschmann, Doug Jones, Luke Goss, Anna Walton, Brian Steele, Roy Dotrice, John Hurt
It might not be Iron Man or The Dark Knight, but Hellboy II is definitely “Theater Worthy.”
After an ancient truce between mankind and the mythical world is broken, a rebellion against humanity is ready to erupt. It’s time to call in Hellboy (Ron Perlman), the humanoid creature born in Hell and brought to Earth as an infant. Hellboy leads a very unusual team from the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Development including: Liz (Selma Blair), the fire starting girlfriend, Abe (Doug Jones), the fish-man and clearly the brains of the team, and newcomer Johann, the guy who is brought in to maintain control after some very embarrassing missteps. Together they will travel to the magical world hidden from humans, where Hellboy will be forced to choose between the life he knows and an unknown destiny that beckons him.
With his signature blend of a creepy storyline and even creepier characters, Guillermo del Toro once again gives us a very entertaining, very visual movie in Hellboy II: The Golden Army. This sequel outdoes the original by giving us more depth of the characters we know and introducing us to a ton more new ones. Every scene is packed with some of the most outrageous creatures and edge-of-your-seat-action that you never really have time to catch your breath.
Ron Perlman has found that role he was born to play. He is the funny, bull-headed big red guy who would rather knock things down than talk about anything. He is able to maintain a very cool demeanor no matter what he is facing. The rest of the cast is just perfect. They are also well-played. They deliver so many great lines and I love how they banter between themselves.
The only thing I really did not like was all the roaring. I know that sounds strange, but there were far too many creatures that didn’t really talk…they just roared. It was too much and too loud.
Hellboy II has it all, a talented director, a strong story, an amazing cast and visual effects that will keep your eyes glued to screen. If you haven’t already, go check it out.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Most of this movie is too much for younger viewers, but older teens should be fine. While there is a lot of comic-book violence, Hellboy stays away from sex and nudity.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
