Hellboy II The Golden Army!!! (with spoilers)

[CBM]

Last night Mike and I shared a fun evening with Guillermo del Toro at the Saturn Awards where he received the George Pal Memorial Award! This morning we got up at 6AM to share the morning with him as we got to see Hellboy 2 The Golden Army!

All we can say is WOW! He’s done it again…this film is huge! It is visually stunning and lots of fun! All of it…the characters, the creatures, the special effects…

The Elemental (my favorite) and the Angel of Death are so beautiful, so unique, so delToro…they rank right up there with the Pale Man in Pan’s Labyrinth…and the Golden Army itself…Mike just kept saying “HOLY CRAP!!!”

We couldn’t be happier! You guys are in for a hell of ride!!!

CBM and MM
PS...Great score also...did we mention how happy we were???

[patrick r]

Well, that is a resounding first review. Thank you Christine.

My workplace polled the employees today about what movie we were most excited to see this Summer. They didn't include Hellboy on the list. I had to draw their attention to that monumental error.

[fitzroy]

Great post Christine.

I, myself, am in total excitement mode. Finished work today, travelling all the way to LA from the UK on Saturday, watching Hellboy 2, The Golden Army on Tuesday.

Yay :biggrin:

[Lilitu]

Great post Christine.

I, myself, am in total excitement mode. Finished work today, travelling all the way to LA from the UK on Saturday, watching Hellboy 2, The Golden Army on Tuesday.

Yay :biggrin:

You lucky!!!!
I can't wait!!!!!

[Jake Capps]

Thanks for the report CBM. I can't wait!

[Kees_L]

Hah. Thanks for that, CBM. Cannot wait to catch my country's premiere, coming august 11th...

[SpydaWeb]

Christine, I hope you and Mike can come out to the screening on Tuesday.

[MaskedMan]

i think this deserves another nerdgasim

[CBM]

Christine, I hope you and Mike can come out to the screening on Tuesday.

Mike will be there!!!

[SpydaWeb]

Mike will be there!!!

I expected Mike would be there, but we'd like to see you there too.

[hellboyone]

Okay, but how was it really? :)

Very excited to see this..

[THE REAL kirk]

Now there's an opinion that carries some weight. I am so glad you both liked it so much. I think it is safe to say the fans will not be disappointed.

C'mon Tuesday!!

[Juno Reactor]

Christine, please, I'm begging you... TELL US MORE.

What was your favorite scene? Why? What surprised you the most? Whaddaya think of Johann? Nuada? Nuala?

I'm scouring the Web for info (but avoiding the spoilers in the Art of... book like the plague). Give me something to whet my appetite.

*is going batshit insane with anticipation*

[JonniRandom]

It looks SO GOOD!

[Myron L]

Cant get a much better review than from MRS. Mignola herself ! If you folks were saying "wow"...damn...it just boggles the mind !

Thanks, Christine !

[Brisco]

Thanks, Christine! A truly tantalizing review, giving nothing away but saying everything that needs to be said. I didn't think it was possible to be even more excited for this than I alredy was, but after reading your reaction, somehow I am! So close... I can't wait!

I'm especially glad to hear you loved the score. I loved the first one, but I can't wait to hear what Elfman comes up with!

Brisco

[Gary_B]

I can't wait to watch this movie. I liked the first Hellboy movie and I loved Pan's Labyrinth so this is the ultimate endorsement!

[CBM]

And here they come...
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37233

[Todd H]

"Until then, rejoice in the light melancholy of del Toro's best studio effort to date"

That's quite the statement! What an awesomely glowing review. Excellent start so far!

Hopefully the movie will clean up at the box office so a third will get greenlit.

[chiaroscuros]

Hopefully the movie will clean up at the box office so a third will get greenlit.

I am a litte concerned that Hellboy 2's opening weekend is sandwiched between Hancock (the weekend before) and Batman (the weekend after).

I have heard that while the box office reciepts of Hellboy 1 were okay, but it was in the video rental market that it really did amazingly well.

Hopefully that rental fanbase will translate to a really solid opening weekend for the second one... Cause I too would love to see the end of this trilogy!!!

[Neil Hill]

This is high praises indeed, and makes me anticipate the film itself even more- if that's even possible!

Thank you for the glowing endorsement, Christine!

[THE REAL kirk]

Here's another review over at CHUD (http://chud.com/articles/articles/15330/1/REVIEW-HELLBOY-II-DEVIN039S-TAKE/Page1.html).

I'm not reading them in case there are spoilers but he gave it 8.5 out of 10.

[jackups]

lolz yeah DO NOT head over to the Hellboy 2 wiki page, the whole plot is up and i managed to press back before i picked anything up... so now i am dieting my usual internet browsing to stop any spoil's for Hb and Bats

[Juno Reactor]

Here's another review over at CHUD (http://chud.com/articles/articles/15330/1/REVIEW-HELLBOY-II-DEVIN039S-TAKE/Page1.html).

I'm not reading them in case there are spoilers but he gave it 8.5 out of 10.
I read the review twice and found the numerical score to be rather arbitrary. The review is nothing but good news -- a grounded critique, but the type that makes me giddy with anticipation. So I guess it gets an 8.5 due to the fact Hellboy is now a big franchise. :smile:

Also, judging by the bulletpoints listed in a new interview HERE (http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/8325/tcid/1), it sounds like Guillermo is ready to take on Hellboy 3 in 2012 right after the second Hobbit film, contrary to previous remarks where he envisioned himself either taking a long vacation or working on a smaller film. In 2012, Ron Perlman will be 62, three years younger than Harrison Ford when he did Indy 4. If Ford could do it at 65 with no makeup, Ron should still be good to go on HB3 by that point. The sooner it's done, the better. And with all the success of the twin Hobbit films, the studios should have more confidence than ever in GDT, giving him the resources needed to make HB3. It'll be like "King Kong" for Peter Jackson, only HB3 will be so much more awesome. :cool:

[Juno Reactor]

In addition to the above comment, I'd like to add it's interesting that neither the AICN review nor the CHUD review mentions the Angel of Death scene. At all. I'd think it's quite a showstopping piece, but it hasn't been mentioned so far.

Well, aside for the mention by Mrs. Mignola, of course.

[jackups]

yeah thats actually something i was wondering myself
Im interested to see what they discuss in their scene

[shonokin]

It's in general release on my birthday. It'll be a great present to myself!

[fitzroy]

Leaving the my home in the UK for the long trek to LA for Tuesday night's screening. Those who are going, see you soon.

I'm stupidly excited at this point

[DWEarhart]

Naturally, I will be revisiting the first film to gear me up for Golden Army. I cannot wait.

I hope the best for this sequel, and expect a decent weekend for it, but that's about it. The first weekend will be Hellboy and Guillermo fans and that's about it, I feel. But if that equals enough to warrant a third Hellboy film - BRING IT! I've been a lifelong Ron Perlman fan, and the day he was cast as Hellboy - backflips. I did fricking backflips.

[Nick W]

Here's another from AICN (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37275). I cannot wait for the 11th to come, but I'm also jacked for everybody that gets to go on Tues. And I want to see tons of reveiws on here by Wed morning. :biggrin:

N

[jackups]

Yeah this film showing is going to be one joy and sadness , i shall be traveling down towards London to take my Grandma to a showing, her health has been deteriorating and sadly she may not last for much longer, I saw my first showing of Hellboy with her and i will be doing the same with the Golden Army , i am just grateful that i will be able to enjoy this undoubtly great film with her.

[Juno Reactor]

Yeah this film showing is going to be one joy and sadness , i shall be traveling down towards London to take my Grandma to a showing, her health has been deteriorating and sadly she may not last for much longer, I saw my first showing of Hellboy with her and i will be doing the same with the Golden Army , i am just grateful that i will be able to enjoy this undoubtly great film with her.
No matter her health or age, del Toro's movies will make her feel like a kid again. It's awesome you can share The Golden Army with your grandma -- most grannies wouldn't take well to a devil-man. I hope you both have a good time!

And all of you going to the fan showing on Tuesday... Post reviews and pictures! The rest of us are counting on you to share the fun. :smile:

[CBM]

www.variety.com/review/VE1117937571.html?categoryid=31&cs=1

www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?JSESSIONID=7Xs9LnjHyGyxWR1GQpR 8BWSS8G1YLm1zX41yTXwMLJWGmQ2SL0pL!1678385406&&rid=11343&imw=Y

[jackups]

^ ^

SPOILERS IN LINKS ABOVE

[Kees_L]

Yes, spoilers indeed, but still I'm really enjoying the reviews being posted here, as long as they're raving enough for CBM to take pride in them - and why wouldn't they be - and boy are they not raving? :smile:

Jackups: I hope you and your grandmother will have a superfun viewing! Same goes for my fellow Hellboard 'invitees' of course.

CBM: You have made me extra curious for the music score. (How many days again 'till August 21th? :eek: - oh well... I'll be getting custom Dutch subtitles. That's something too.) (I'm hearing someone go: "sure...:evilsmile:" :wink:)

[CBM]

^ ^

SPOILERS IN LINKS ABOVE ! ! !

oops thanks Jackups...hope I didn't ruin it for you or anyone!
CBM

[jackups]

No probs man lol
But yeah it still is great seeing these reviews, there all sayign very good things.

This film has very quickly caught up to my hype of The Dark Knight, hope it does well i nteh cinema's I really do, it will get great DVD sales no-doubt.

[gdeo]

Wow ...Variety called Goss' portrayal a weak link....i thought it was stellar...but that's just me:wink:

[Jake Capps]

I plan on giving him the benefit of the doubt. I don't like that he is a humanoid character from a story stand point. It just seems like Hellboy is fighting Orlando Bloom from Lord of The Rings. But at the end of the day GTD digs him so I will go in with an open mind.

[Nick W]

It just seems like Hellboy is fighting Orlando Bloom from Lord of The Rings.

Every time I see the trailer I think albino Tom Cruise... which now that I think of it, would basically be his take on Lestat. :rolleyes:

N

[Kees_L]

It just seems like Hellboy is fighting Orlando Bloom from Lord of The Rings.

Doesn't just about everyone in Hollywood look totally sissy - save Ron P. even with the make-up? :biggrin:

[gdeo]

I guess since i'm on(but totally drained ) I'll give my non-spoiler review.This movie will knock your socks off.it's totally different from what you expect.Different from the first film ,but totally in a good way.the plot's out there, so i won't go into that.
Mignola and del Toro spin a tale that covers the world and the otherworldly.you will be immersed into a world of familiar old friends and enthalled by some new ones.
visually ,two words comes to mind spectacular and breathtaking..."eye protein" as del toro calls it...INDEED!!!to see the concepts in the "Art Of..." book come to life are a wonder in itself.(kudos to all involved).
The performances...are stellar.Perlman gives his talent of comedic timing a work out.and kicks monster butt like no other"Hellboy SMASH!":tongue: .It was pleasing to hear Doug Jones voice along with his impressive/expressive performance through all the make-up.You'll believe a fish man walks the earth .Selma Blair has much more to do this time out and gives a better performance.Another stand out was Luke Goss .Physically...powerful. and as a villian ...vicious.Great piece of work this time around.This is a love letter to all the Lord of the Ringers who doubt that del toro is not up to the job. Watch this film July 11th...heck watch it twice to appreciate all the craftsmanship that's up on the screen.:biggrin:

[gdeo]

I plan on giving him the benefit of the doubt. I don't like that he is a humanoid character from a story stand point. It just seems like Hellboy is fighting Orlando Bloom from Lord of The Rings. But at the end of the day GTD digs him so I will go in with an open mind.
think Nomak from Blade 2 X 10

[THE REAL kirk]

All right. I guess I'll see it then.


DUDE! Is it good enough to watch a second time in a few days? No need to answer that. How was the evening at the premier? No need to get into too much detail...you can tell me tomorrow!...but I'm sure everyone wants to know. :D

Two more days!!!

[Jankenstein]

A rocketpack and monkey with a gun would improve a great many movies, come to think of it.

[prior40]

The trailers look fantastic, I haven't been this excited to see a movie in quite some time. I have not doubts that this one will be better than the first.

[black eyeliner]

::sigh:: i cant wait!!!:biggrin: :biggrin:

[Ivar_L]

I just got a phonecall from my friend who is a distribution manager in cinemas company here in Baltic States (or something like that). They just received Hellboy II. Was it, what he said, 11 reels long?... Anyway, 10:30 tomorrow is Hellboy screening and I'm invited! (They planned to screen Mama Mia, but now, of course, it's Hellboy.) We are 7 hours ahead of New York, so most of you are still at sleep then...
My vacation just started today and it is looking good!
:)

[Neil Hill]

I just got a phonecall from my friend who is a distribution manager in cinemas company here in Baltic States (or something like that). They just received Hellboy II. Was it, what he said, 11 reels long?... Anyway, 10:30 tomorrow is Hellboy screening and I'm invited! (They planned to screen Mama Mia, but now, of course, it's Hellboy.) We are 7 hours ahead of New York, so most of you are still at sleep then...
My vacation just started today and it is looking good!
:)

Truly nothing against Mama Mia, but I think Hellboy II is the better choice of film to screen. :biggrin:

[Asa]

Ha I saw it Awsome they have the commercail on the television. , can't wait.

Gees can I say it any louder.:biggrin:

[Kees_L]

Ha I saw it Awsome they have the commercail on the television. , can't wait.

Gees can I say it any louder.:biggrin:

Ooff, my laptop went and shut on me upon impact there... I'm glad you're having fun 'though Asa :biggrin:.

[shonokin]

Ooff, my laptop went and shut on me upon impact there... I'm glad you're having fun 'though Asa :biggrin:.

Blew half your face off too. :eek:

[Spiffy]

Anyone see the Hellboy II commercial during tonight's American Gladiators?

It was genuinely funny.

EDIT - They followed up a few commercial breaks later with a crossover commercial between NBC's "Chuck" and Hellboy II. An odd pairing, but no more than Hellboy and AmGlad's Wolf, I guess.

[Ken O]

I caught those last night too. I thought the Chuck one was great, but then I'm having Chuck withdrawl.

[JohnThompson]

IGN has a neat video "featurette" about the makeup and animatronic effects of the Wink character, with an intro by Hellboy himself!

http://movies.ign.com/dor/objects/41373/hellboy-ii-the-golden-army/videos/hellboy2_wink_062508.html

[Todd H]

I think I'm starting to get more excited about the prospect off all these special effects features being on the DVD than I am the actual movie itself. I love the behind the scenes creature stuff.

[Kees_L]

Blew half your face off too. :eek:

That's also just me always walking into stuff, like brick walls, traffic or fists. I'm already long past the point where people started calling me Harvey DENT...
Also most people say it suits me right. So you know, I can take it :tongue:.

[Rachel Edidin]

A rocketpack and monkey with a gun would improve a great many movies, come to think of it.

QFT.
Although, really, they'd improve most things. College, for example, would have been substantially different (mostly much shorter, probably) if I'd had a rocket pack and a monkey with a gun.

[MaskedMan]

I think I'm starting to get more excited about the prospect off all these special effects features being on the DVD than I am the actual movie itself. I love the behind the scenes creature stuff.

same here i am really excited to see all the cool stuff that didnt make it to the movie and just all of the special effects in general.

[THE REAL kirk]

QFT.
Although, really, they'd improve most things. College, for example, would have been substantially different (mostly much shorter, probably) if I'd had a rocket pack and a monkey with a gun.

If I ran for President it would be my campaign platform ("And, if elected, I promise a jet pack in every garage and a gun for every monkey!" Cheers ensue). Or, it could be the subject of some apocalyptic movie - most of mankind is dead and the world is now over run with jetpack-wearing monkeys with guns!

[Ambassador Curt]

QFT.
Although, really, they'd improve most things. College, for example, would have been substantially different (mostly much shorter, probably) if I'd had a rocket pack and a monkey with a gun.

My college was significantly changed by it. That poor, poor frozen banana salesman.

[Jankenstein]

QFT.
Although, really, they'd improve most things. College, for example, would have been substantially different (mostly much shorter, probably) if I'd had a rocket pack and a monkey with a gun.


For me, it would have dramatically improved Philosophy class. :rolleyes:




or the time I was forced to sit through The Wedding Planner

[prior40]

So, just got back from the screening that Spyda hooked us up with, and first i gotta say... THANK YOU SPYDA!!! That was an awesome time, I just wish I could have stayed a bit longer, but my son's sick here at home and the help was going nuts. As for the film... WOW! So good! Johann was a great character addition and really added some great comedic moments. Ron Pearlman was great again, and it was nice to see Liz and Abe more fleshed out from the first film. I can't wait to see this one again. Thanks again, Spyda!

[prior40]

So, just got back from the screening that Spyda hooked us up with, and first i gotta say... THANK YOU SPYDA!!! That was an awesome time, I just wish I could have stayed a bit longer, but my son's sick here at home and the help was going nuts. As for the film... WOW! So good! Johann was a great character addition and really added some great comedic moments. Ron Pearlman was great again, and it was nice to see Liz and Abe more fleshed out from the first film. I can't wait to see this one again. Thanks again, Spyda!

[prior40]

whoops! double post!

[THE REAL kirk]

I also just finished a day that will live in my memory forever as incredible and surreal. Our good friend Spyda has gone to incredible extremes to set up a night of Hellboy bliss. And watch for his TV debut on MTV!

As for the movie I will be spoiler free. I can't wait to see it again soon! It is so much larger than the first movie with a lot of surprises and humor. It was fantastic to meet and talk to most of the stars after the movie. And Guillermo, well, he is such a rare individual who is both incredibly talented and amazingly generous. He has delivered a special gift to all us Hellboy fans.

Now it is time for me to sleep but I know it will be dreamless; I've spent my waking hours in a dream. Thanks Universal, thanks Spyda, and thanks Guillermo.

Wow.

[MaskedMan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbaA68jYYek

[hellboyone]

Big thanks to Spyda and Universal for the awesome time last night. Met a lot of cool new people and talked to some old cool people as well. The movie was insane....just immensely entertaining. I can't believe it didn't cost a billion dollars to make because it looks it. Guillermo should teach classes on cost-effective filmmaking. The creatures were amazing. So many actual monsters walking around and interacting with the actors. It was like the 80s when there were a dozen fantasy movies a year and all of them chock-full of creatures.

I have a few problems with the movie, but overall it's a big thumbs-up.

Photos from the event to come.

And if anyone sees the MTV footage from last night, record it and upload it on YouTube! :)

[gdeo]

Wow!!! ,indeed! I can go on about this movie(and you all know I can) but i'll just say my "thank you's"...Spyda..."THANK YOU!"
to take on a task like this was very gracious of you...I know of some of the behind the scene stuff that you had to deal with and a lesser man would have thrown in the towel (i for one ,am glad you didn't)
thanks to the cast and crew who made us fans feel special
thanks to all my fellow Hellions old and new...you've made this week a blast!
Thanks to Universal not only for bringing this film to us ,but for treating us fans like royalty.
Thanks to Guillermo del Toro and The Mignola's ...what you have done for me personally and this week alone...i will never forget it ,i'm a better man for knowing you all.
Thanks again Maurice,i am proud to call you friend,(i expect nothing less for Hellboy 3):tongue:

[Kees_L]

Thanks again Maurice,i am proud to call you friend,(i expect nothing less for Hellboy 3):tongue:

Whow, so many but raving reviews in this thread...:wink:.

And yeah, where do we sign up for Hellboy 3 (and the rest of the errr octilogy)? :smile: :tongue:

[Grim Tim]

Absolutely the first thing I want to say as well is THANK YOU Spyda - it was awesome to be able to be in on this, and it was great to meet you at last.

To those board members whom I was able to meet - very nice to meet you :smile:

To those that I've met before - nice to see you again, and hope to see you again soon.

To those that I missed - maybe I'll see you at Comic Con?

As for the film, it *is* a lot of fun. I have some problems with it too, but it's great that we can have both Mike's Hellboy *and* Guillermo's Hellboy.

[Juno Reactor]

I'd really appreciate it if the people who were lucky enough to go would spare a moment to share a detailed review of the film with the rest of us. We want to hear what you guys thought about the film.

How was the storytelling? The pacing? The chemistry (I'm particularly interested in the Abe/Nuala relationship). How was the score by Danny Elfman? How was the fight choreography? How was the film's structure (i.e. were the "acts" equally strong and balanced)? Tell us how well you thought the movie worked.

Thanks.

[Grim Tim]

Well, I'm still "digesting" it, but briefly...

Storytelling: decent.

Pacing: great - never a dull moment. It takes off and never really lets up.

Chemistry (between Abe and Nuala): really very good, and nice to see Abe's character fleshed out a bit.

Score: I'm not one that particularly takes note of the score (which in a way is good, I guess - if it was distracting that would be bad). When I did notice it, it was great - it "did its job" well.

Fight choreography: fantastic! And the Elf weaponry is spectacular.

Film structure: decent

I think the film works really well for what it's supposed to be - entertainment. I don't agree with the direction in which Guillermo has taken the Hellboy/Liz relationship, but like I said - it's nice that we can have both Mike's and Guillermo's Hellboy (I prefer Mike's).

[E. Spears]

SO. I saw the movie yesterday. I thought it was completely awesome.

Spoiler:





Hellboy TOTALLY beats the shit out of some stuff. :biggrin:

[hellboyone]

Reposting my spoilerific review from The Drawing Board:

Saw the movie last night. Anyone hoping to see a more faithful comic book adaptation will have to look elsewhere. Because this is more Guillermo del Toro's movie than ever. Nerds will be longing for the comic book accuracy of the first movie.

HB2 brought memories of 80s creature/fantasy movies flooding back into my head. I loved being a kid and seeing all those movies. The Troll Market is the new standard in fantasy movie creature scenes and makes the Star Wars cantina look like a fan-made YouTube movie. Although I initially didn't care for the look of Johann Krauss, Seth McFarlane brought the character to life with his brilliant voice work. Nobody will think "Stewie" when Johann talks. He was my favorite by the end of the movie.

Fans of the comic book are gonna have to let go of it to get any enjoyment out of the movie. Like any comic book or prose novel-based movie property, it's a totally separate entity. There are a couple of bits that are decidedly from the comics. One of my favorite moments is I think the last time Johann's ectoplasm re-enters his containment suit. The way it inflates is straight out of BPRD. I swear it was an animated Guy Davis drawing. Another is the Angel of Death recognizing Hellboy as Anung Un Rama. I always liked that so many creatures in the comic know who Hellboy really is.

The movie's not without its faults though. The Hellboy/Liz relationship I never liked in the first movie and here, it's heading for jump-the-shark territory. There's a scene where Hellboy battles a giant forest elemental creature that is just one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen, but the scene is kinda ruined a little because Hellboy is comically juggling (saving) a baby the whole time. It balances out by the scene's end, however. And I'm torn on Hellboy and Abe's drunken sing-along but it was certainly a very entertaining scene.

Overall, the movie's immensely entertaining and is a grand mix of the first Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth (leaning more towards the latter). And CG haters will have a lot to love in this movie (and hate, for that matter).

It is disconcerting that this movie cost $72 million and looks like it cost 4 times that. By comparison, Indy 4 cost $185 million and I'm not really sure where all that money went.

[Kees_L]

Wow, I kind of wide-eyed a little upon Juno's decicively requested review build-up but after the posts following I decided I have no argument or problem (I wouldn't have such otherwise anyway: I wide-eye, I blink). So thanks.
(Come to think of it: would the name Wink have anything to do with how he's made and how well he functions - I wondered that upon viewing the YouTube thingy)
And upon reading hellboyone's TDB review I'm still thinking: I will be rather proud on HB being turned into a real Hollywood huge-of-impact movie EDIT *arc* which would have it's 'deminishing' side maybe (if relationships are like lead character appointed courtshipping by law from where to start) but still, HB may count like Luke/Leia/Han-StarWars, Matrix1 > insert your fav Kool.-movie.

You know. I don't know. Counting off towards aug 21 dot dot dot.
You lucky bees you :tongue:.

[jnapper]

This is probably in this thread somehere, but if not, here is a Yahoo playlist of Hellboy II commericals that are funny:

http://video.yahoo.com/playlist/100791704

[manwiththemachinegun]

Those commercials are hilarious.

[THE REAL kirk]

Here's a link to a site with some behind the scenes footage. LINK (http://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/8385/tcid/1)

WARNING!!! These have some spoiler shots so best to check out after you see the movie.

Also...here is a link for the TV commercials with a couple not in the previous link

LINK (http://www.comics2film.com/index.php?a=story&b=34379&fvret=1#success)

[evening]

Thanks for that link, Kirk. I hadn't seen the Ghost Hunters one.

As for the film, I'm feeling I need to watch it a few more times to absorb it all!
GDT has his own wonderfully crazy take on things, which made me say "Oh, we're going THERE are we? OK!"

[Pangaea]

Is it bad that I'm already anticipating the third film when the second film hasn't even reached my theaters yet?

[Asa]

Saw this while I was scouting movie fone, thought i would post it .http://www.moviefone.com/movie/hellboy-ii-the-golden-army/27059/trailer?trailerId=2155232


Can't waite, they have a midnight show near me on 7/10/08.

[CBM]

Saw this while I was scouting movie fone, thought i would post it .http://www.moviefone.com/movie/hellboy-ii-the-golden-army/27059/trailer?trailerId=2155232


Can't waite, they have a midnight show near me on 7/10/08.
Thanks Asa
That was great!
CBM

[Bill Thompson]

I won't be able to make a midnight showing because of work, but this is easily my most anticipated movie of the year, I can't wait to finally get to see it.

[gdeo]

those clips were hilarious!!!thanks asa!

[Asa]

those clips were hilarious!!!thanks asa!

They were very funny, I can't stop watching, I've seen it three times already.:biggrin:

[Mack]

Thanks Asa
That was great!
CBM

+1

Great clip :cool:

[THE REAL kirk]

That was a really cool interview/chat session. I wish it lasted a lot longer.

[gdeo]

Hey y'all soundtrack is up on itunes right now...hard copy released in stores 7-15

[Pangaea]

Hey y'all soundtrack is up on itunes right now...hard copy released in stores 7-15

Should be good. I wanna' grab the first movie's soundtrack, that Nick Cave, "Red Right Hand" song is great.

[MarisaSmith]

Oh! I think I hurt something from laughing so hard! I love the "actor's studio" ones, since my friends and I are always making fun of that show anyway. (Actually it's a really great show, if you haven't seen it). And my fav is Ghost Hunters, since I'm totally addicted to that show. Man, I'm definately going to DVR the episode this week!

And I found one theater that's about 15 mi away that's doing a midnight showing! Sweeeeet! I'm there...

[DWEarhart]

Joblo.com interviews Hellboy. (http://www.joblo.com/video/player.php?video=HellboyRed)

[Kees_L]

That was a really cool interview/chat session. I wish it lasted a lot longer.

It's nice to see these people having fun the way they do, with cracking fun -'though not particularly flashy jokes and stuff.
And I like how SB explains her true 'one-word' self (dig my spoiler avoidance).

[Boston Style]

i dont if this has been mentioned, but the new issue of Rue Morgue has a great cover story on HB2. Its on stands now......

[Juno Reactor]

To the people who have seen the movie -- three questions:

1) Tell me about the CG-animated puppet prologue. How close do the puppets resemble Mignola's style? I was rereading The Ghoul today, and I loved the way Mignola drew the figures in the puppet theatre production of Hamlet, especially their wooden faces with the hollow eyes. So, how Mignola-esque is the puppet prologue?

2) How does the Angel of Death's composite voice sound in the movie? At hellboymovie.com, scrolling around the Golden Army chamber with the left and right arrows at the bottom of the main page brings up the Angel of Death. Placing the mouse over it makes it talk. Its voice is a little hard to understand at the site -- is this a problem in the film?

3) Does Kroenen make an appearance after the credits as was originally rumored? I'm guessing not as that would've added to the budget. Plus, I haven't heard anyone even tease the notion.

Thanks in advance!

[chaox]

You're all so lucky. Us unfortunate Aussies don't get to watch it until the 28th August.

[Nick W]

Ok, I just got home from the screening Austin & all I can say is go see this movie on Friday! While there are parts of the 1st movie that I really enjoyed, I've never been in love with it. Whether it was the studio interference or setting up the origin, some things just didn't click for me. Of course, I still saw it in the theater twice, bought both the 2 & 3-disc editions and have watched it multiple times. As for GDT's other movies, I am deeply in love with The Devil's Backbone, Blade II & Pan's Labyrinth.

All of that being said, I tried my best to not get my hopes up for Hellboy 2. Of course, that didn't work & I've been thoroughly geeked for the it for the last month. Within the 1st 10 minutes of film, I knew I would not be let down. GDT, Mike, Ron, Doug, Selma, et all knocked this one way out of the park. This is the Godfather Part II.

Wow, I just totally ran out of steam (it's 1 am) so I'll finish this up tomorrow. Let me just say though that Doug Jones, on top of being an incredibly nice guy, owns Abe. Abe is given more screen time this time around and Doug makes use of every bit of it to prove that he knows what he's doing & he should have been allowed to voice Abe in HB1 (no disrespect to David Hyde Pierce).

Juno, I wouldn't say that the puppet scene is Mignola-esque per se, but you can def see his influence. I thought it perfectly captured the point of view of a child being told a story by his father.

The AoD was slighty hard to understand, but not so much that it was distracting.

The Q&A started about half-way through the credits and I highly doubt GDT & Mike would've robbed the audience of a Kroenen scene just for 5 more minutes of talktime.

N

[Grim Tim]

In the Art Of book, Guillermo says of the post-credits Kroenen scene:

"I very much wanted this scene. But there was no way we could accommodate it with the budget or the time. I thought it was a perfect coda and a beautiful set-up to a possible third movie."

So that definitely puts that to rest.

You do catch a quick glimpse of Kroenen's damaged "final battle" mask in one of the display cases in the BPRD corridors, however.

[MaskedMan]

So does anyone know if the monster book for HB2 is a definite thing or not?

[sallah]

So I saw it last night...

...and it is with a heavy heart (as a HUGE Hellboy fan) that I say I didn't like it as much as the first. Or even as much as the animated stuff for that matter.

By no means would I call it a bad movie. I liked alot of things about it. Every time Hellboy was on the screen I was jazzed. He has some really great scenes and dialogue and Perlman again does a great job of 'being' Hellboy....

....unfortunately what there is of Hellboy 'time' isn't much. Some of the cast seemed like the phoned in their performances, and the characters themselves in some cases felt like a far departure to me. Abe especially seemed very much not 'Abe' to me (I can't say too much without spoling anything). Johann too. And Liz. It seemed like Del Toro tried to cram in a starring role for everybody, regardless if their character warranted it or not, even almost changing characters entirely to fit the needs of the story. It felt like Hellboy suffered for that. I left the movie feeling like I'd watched a movie that guest-starred Hellboy.

Oh, and the creatures. Oh...the creatures. You are met with SO many different creatures that you almost lose track. This wouldn't be a problem if they all served at least some purpose, but I don't fell like alot of them did. It felt as if Del Toro went 'let's see how many different creatures I can squeeze in here even if they aren't necessary for the story'. As a Hellboy reader I come to expect Hellboy running into strange creatures who really serve no purpose from time to time...but this felt like WAY too much. WAY. TOO. MUCH.

As I watched the movie I kept trying to tell myself 'well maybe it's just me'. I soon realized it wasn't just me. As a Hellboy fan, I was content to stay and watch. But I guess everybody in the screening wasn't a Hellboy fan. About halfway through the movie, a few folks were getting up...and not coming back. 3/4 in and a bunch more left. Then more. Jokes fell flat. There were moments where I heard audible groans from the audience. It was a bummer. Big time.

So I sat there after the credits rolled....pretty disappointed. My wife, who loved the first movie and actually read a few Hellboy comics because of it, asked for my reaction first so as not to sway me with hers. I told her I thought it was simply 'ok'. She hated it. She told me that she was bored throughout. The story didn't draw her in and she hated all the creatures. She didn't 'believe' in the characters like she did before. And I have a feeling that's how alot of 'regular' people are going to feel. If I as a Hellboy fan felt it was 'too much'... then how are movie-goers at large going to react? Not kindly I'd imagine.

Sallah

[SpydaWeb]

In the Art Of book, Guillermo says of the post-credits Kroenen scene:

"I very much wanted this scene. But there was no way we could accommodate it with the budget or the time. I thought it was a perfect coda and a beautiful set-up to a possible third movie."

So that definitely puts that to rest.

You do catch a quick glimpse of Kroenen's damaged "final battle" mask in one of the display cases in the BPRD corridors, however.

The scene may make it into the 3rd film.

[jackups]

What was supposed to happen in the quick Kroenen scene?

[SpydaWeb]

So I saw it last night...

...and it is with a heavy heart (as a HUGE Hellboy fan) that I say I didn't like it as much as the first. Or even as much as the animated stuff for that matter.

By no means would I call it a bad movie. I liked alot of things about it. Every time Hellboy was on the screen I was jazzed. He has some really great scenes and dialogue and Perlman again does a great job of 'being' Hellboy....

....unfortunately what there is of Hellboy 'time' isn't much. Some of the cast seemed like the phoned in their performances, and the characters themselves in some cases felt like a far departure to me. Abe especially seemed very much not 'Abe' to me (I can't say too much without spoling anything). Johann too. And Liz. It seemed like Del Toro tried to cram in a starring role for everybody, regardless if their character warranted it or not, even almost changing characters entirely to fit the needs of the story. It felt like Hellboy suffered for that. I left the movie feeling like I'd watched a movie that guest-starred Hellboy.

Oh, and the creatures. Oh...the creatures. You are met with SO many different creatures that you almost lose track. This wouldn't be a problem if they all served at least some purpose, but I don't fell like alot of them did. It felt as if Del Toro went 'let's see how many different creatures I can squeeze in here even if they aren't necessary for the story'. As a Hellboy reader I come to expect Hellboy running into strange creatures who really serve no purpose from time to time...but this felt like WAY too much. WAY. TOO. MUCH.

As I watched the movie I kept trying to tell myself 'well maybe it's just me'. I soon realized it wasn't just me. As a Hellboy fan, I was content to stay and watch. But I guess everybody in the screening wasn't a Hellboy fan. About halfway through the movie, a few folks were getting up...and not coming back. 3/4 in and a bunch more left. Then more. Jokes fell flat. There were moments where I heard audible groans from the audience. It was a bummer. Big time.

So I sat there after the credits rolled....pretty disappointed. My wife, who loved the first movie and actually read a few Hellboy comics because of it, asked for my reaction first so as not to sway me with hers. I told her I thought it was simply 'ok'. She hated it. She told me that she was bored throughout. The story didn't draw her in and she hated all the creatures. She didn't 'believe' in the characters like she did before. And I have a feeling that's how alot of 'regular' people are going to feel. If I as a Hellboy fan felt it was 'too much'... then how are movie-goers at large going to react? Not kindly I'd imagine.

Sallah

After having seen the film twice at this point, I fully expect to hear from people who didn't like the film. This will actually be the subject of my next podcast which was recorded soon after the fan screening.

[SpydaWeb]

Looks like my interviews are up on the production site (http://www.hellboymovie.com/production/). They chopped the hell out of them and took out my best questions, but I should be getting the uncut footage at some point.

[Andrew Hein]

Let me know when that podcast goes up. I might want to hear your experts, hehe.

[Kees_L]

This will actually be the subject of my next podcast which was recorded soon after the fan screening.

Knowing your thoroughness in the podcasts it will maybe be hard but right to not be listening to it then, 'till after august 21.
The interviews clip was great to watch and it kind of felt at 'default' length. Nice shirt btw (don't you think, hellboyone?).

[SpydaWeb]

Knowing your thoroughness in the podcasts it will maybe be hard but right to not be listening to it then, 'till after august 21.
The interviews clip was great to watch and it kind of felt at 'default' length. Nice shirt btw (don't you think, hellboyone?).

Actually there are no spoilers or plot details discussed so, you are safe to listen in. It's more of a warning for people to not have their expectations too high going in. The film is tonally very different from what you expect.

and on the video. Don't I just look excited to be there? I was actually much more laid back by the time I interviewed Ron. Wish they'd have shown more of that interview. I'm trying to convince them of that.

[Kees_L]

Actually there are no spoilers or plot details discussed so, you are safe to listen in. It's more of a warning for people to not have their expectations too high going in. The film is tonally very different from what you expect.

... But listeners do not necessarily need their own opinions yet for 'at ease listening'? If that's the case then I could tune in...

and on the video. Don't I just look excited to be there?

Not overly to me. I think GDT seems rather excited :biggrin:, he even says 'bitchin'...

[SpydaWeb]

Not overly to me. I think GDT seems rather excited :biggrin:, he even says 'bitchin'...

That part was actually a joke. I am making fun of the fact that I show little to no enthusiasm in the video.

[jackups]

Looks like my interviews are up on the production site (http://www.hellboymovie.com/production/). They chopped the hell out of them and took out my best questions, but I should be getting the uncut footage at some point.

thats ashame, but i totally enjoyed watching that , wel ldone Spyda:smile:

[Kees_L]

That part was actually a joke. I am making fun of the fact that I show little to no enthusiasm in the video.

:biggrin: Sorry for not picking up on that Spyda...
Must be from perceiving your groundedness as an anchor against GDT's almost fanboyish ('though genuine) excitement.

I could really see you present 'Pimp my inlaws' on MTV: "So o.k., for this show we thought we'd do something special..."

[SpydaWeb]

What an excellent idea K! I'll get right on that idea.
I'll use my hatred of reality tv to fuel my creativity on this sure-fire project.

[Maija]

This is totally lazy of me but I just got back from the screening and I have to clean my apartment for family arriving tomorrow: my review = Rick/hellboyone's review for the most part (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?p=7112103#post7112103)

I was slow to warm to it at first, and even really concerned during one early scene but then the action got rolling, the humour came more easily and holy crap, the art direction and creature design are just so gob-smacking I couldn't not be enchanted. I'm definitely getting the "Art of" book and I hope that there will be a creature book also.

I'm so glad that I got to see this without any pre-knowledge at all of anything in the film (don't ask me how I managed to accomplish that because I don't know!). I also went to the film with the frame of mind that this is a parallel universe Hellboy. There were a few little comic-film conflicts that still irked me (see the early scene I mentioned) but generally I enjoyed it as its own thing.

[gdeo]

great job,maurice...but i wanna see the uncut stuff...(i saw the twinkle in Selma's eyes):tongue:

[gdeo]

Harry Knowles Loves it!!!
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37388

[THE REAL kirk]

Harry Knowles Loves it!!!
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37388

Big surprise.


Not.

;)

[THE REAL kirk]

Spyda...great job! I can tell there is stuff missing but I am sure we'll see it eventually. But you pulled it off and didn't get all "Chris Farley" in the interviews (like I would have).

Someday I can say, "I knew him when..."

[Kelly Tindall]

One of my dear old Calgary friends was at the screening last night, and he hated it. Hate, hate, hated the movie. He said that it waddled between action sequences, Abe and Johann gesticulated so much that it looked like they were casting spells every time they spoke, and that the jokes fell flatter than a pamcake. He didn't mind German Stewie, though, and he liked Ron Perlman.

I'll check it out on Saturday, see what I think.

[Celtic_Fiddler]

Looks like my interviews are up on the production site (http://www.hellboymovie.com/production/). They chopped the hell out of them and took out my best questions, but I should be getting the uncut footage at some point.

Hi Spyda!! I watched just a smidgeon of your interview with Guillermo - I will wait until after I see the movie tomorrow night before I watch the rest of it because I'm trying to shield myself from ANY spoilers....

...but I just had to say I just loved how you and Guillermo were discussing your name at the beginning and he says, "I should change my name to Guillermo Mpayamaguru. That would be bitchin'!"

Ha ha ha! Something so charming in how he uses 'Americanisms'. I just don't expect them from him, for some reason.... :tongue: I'd say it was 'cute' but for some reason guys don't like it when a girl says something is cute....

Even with the little bit I saw of the interview, I think you did a good job!

Andrea
I don't care. It was cute.

[Angilas-Man]

His anyone seen these commercials for Hellboy I on the FX cable channel tonight hosted by Hellboy?!

[Kees_L]

:tongue: I'd say it was 'cute' but for some reason guys don't like it when a girl says something is cute....
I don't care. It was cute.

Hah! Use that weapon carefully please...

Cute as in charming is a good word for the way GDT said bitchin - It will have been out of genuine excitement or out of being mindful to his fans. (Like stumbling upon a group of heavyweights in what's to be perceived as a rough neighborhood: "Wow, you have a baseball bat. Bitchin...")

[SpydaWeb]

great job,maurice...but i wanna see the uncut stuff...(i saw the twinkle in Selma's eyes):tongue:

Rest assured you will. It looks like the camera's were rolling even before the interviews started since that Guillermo joke about my last name was included.

Prepare to have your image of Selma shattered.

[SpydaWeb]

Hah! Use that weapon carefully please...

Cute as in charming is a good word for the way GDT said bitchin - It will have been out of genuine excitement or out of being mindful to his fans. (Like stumbling upon a group of heavyweights in what's to be perceived as a rough neighborhood: "Wow, you have a baseball bat. Bitchin..."

I think he used the word bitchin as a crutch. He usually finds some form of profanity to fill in his blank spaces in vocabulary.

[Kees_L]

I think he used the word bitchin as a crutch. He usually finds some form of profanity to fill in his blank spaces in vocabulary.

Sound reasonable Spyda. (Foreign) cusswords make good crutches.
I would know, my frame of mind seems solely based on bad language :tongue:.

[SpydaWeb]

His anyone seen these commercials for Hellboy I on the FX cable channel tonight hosted by Hellboy?!

I havn't seen them. I hope someone has them online somewhere.

[gdeo]

Prepare to have your image of Selma shattered.
NEVER!!!!:biggrin: ...okay,maybe:tongue:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/gdeo/Hellebration%202008/Hellebration2008022.jpg

[gdeo]

for those of you in Florida
http://www.uberbotonline.com/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=4

[DWEarhart]

Finally, I can get it out of my system (It pays to have worked and still have friends in the movie theater biz - i saw it last night), but I loved it.

It has it's flaws, but, in my opinion, they do not detract from the amazement that is the theatrical world of Hellboy. The actors seem to have embraced the world set before them, not just because they were paid to, but because they enjoy being there.

Again - flawed - but wonderful.

[InAdia]

I just dragged my sickly bag of bones back home from a midnight showing. And I shamefully must say, as a devoted fan of the Hellboy comics, that I loved this picture. Love with a capital L.

As a film, I thought it was wonderfully done, and I await an extended version on par with its predecessor. As a direct translation of the comic, not so much...but that doesn't necessarily mean it is a bad thing. I hear many people speak of how this isn't "faithful" to the source material. I beg to differ. Aside from the Hellboy and Liz relationship, Johann's appearance, and a couple other minor hiccups, many of the elements in this film could very well have happened within the world of Hellboy; some of which have. Remember, we aren't getting a direct verbatim of any existing story, and I prefer it that way (I want fresh ideas, not preexisting ones), but The Golden Army definitely has a CLASSIFIED ARCHIVE MISSION feel to it. There have been many untold and undocumented experiences within the life of the title character, this very much feels like one of them.


As cinematic conventions go, The Golden Army had everything that is needed to weave a great tale; it had its humor, which I do agree was a bit much at times; its drama, that was spot on and brought aboard whenever it was needed to hit one home; and the action, well it had a more than generous share of that as well. All in all a great film, and my SOLD OUT audience thoroughly enjoy it.


I really do believe that this film will deliver more than it takes. American pop culture has a new darling, and his name is Anung Un Rama. Read into the subtext of that all you like.


SPOILER!!!!!!!!



Hellboy drunk and singing....well I have never ever heard of such a thing.:rolleyes:






END SPOILERS!!!!!


The Real Inadia

[MaskedMan]

NEVER!!!!:biggrin: ...okay,maybe:tongue:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/gdeo/Hellebration%202008/Hellebration2008022.jpg

what a hottie

[Juno Reactor]

I just got back from the midnight screening of Hellboy II: The Golden Army.

My four friends and I saw it at our theater's largest auditorium. Much to my surprise, the place was packed. We were sitting in the second-from-the-top row. Spanning out below us were a sea of people, mostly ages 20-30, and all very excited. They seemed like a rowdy bunch, which had me worried at first, since I wasn't sure how they'd take to a film with so weird a concept. They made fun of every trailer, so I was afraid they'd make fun of Hellboy.

Boy, was I wrong. The audience LOVED this movie. Virtually every joke in the film got the laugh it was aiming for -- especially the drunken sing-along and the Johann scenes, which had people in stitches. And when the film ended, the audience burst into applause, and -- get this -- three-quarters of a full house sat through the entire credits. When the credits wrapped, one guy wailed "Noooooo!", clearly not wanting it to end.

Wow.

So suffice it to say, the audience adored it (again, totally didn't expect that from when I first sized them up). I loved it too, even if the film's pacing is a bit relentless. This film is VERY busy -- there's a lot going on, and contrary to the complaints of the few "rotten" reviews on RottenTomatoes.com (a site that compiles and averages film reviews), the movie has no shortage of momentum. In fact, if there's a problem it might be that it moves too fast at times.

Make no mistake, the story is complete: every cause and effect, whether it's a character's sudden change of heart or the fairy tale logic that governs the plot, has a scene or two to clearly establish itself, forming all the links in the chain. And the emotional scenes, something I was cautious about going in, DO work – Liz and Hellboy are a fantastic couple, and to my surprise the scenes between Abe and the princess are not only natural, but funny and disarmingly cute. I reaaally liked those two. My only problem was the movie's speed sometimes makes it feel like the characters are making decisions too fast. To be fair, though, I think that's half the point. When faced with a tough decision, the characters follow their hearts. These bumps in pacing are the sort of thing, I believe, that’ll lessen with repeat viewings and the added perspective of how it all flows. Also, there’s a moment or two that feels a bit cliché – a scene where Liz berates the ungrateful humans for their treatment of Hellboy comes to mind, with her appeal ringing a bit overdramatic. There’s bits at the end that feel a little overdramatic too, but by the end of the film the beauty, humor and abundance of spirit brings it all together.

My gosh, this movie is stunningly beautiful (except for young Hellboy -- he's ugly, but the audience seemed to love the cheesiness of his makeup). And even though I've pored over every clip and interview and bit of concept art in my anticipation for this movie, there was SO much more than I ever could've expected. The troll market had my mouth gaping. I had VERY high expectations for that scene, so to say it exceeded my expectations means it was something special indeed. The drunken sing-along was FANTASTIC. It wasn't “a few verses too long" as some critics say; it was just the right length, and the camera angles and building music and quick cuts to other characters throughout the BPRD (whose reactions to the scene are priceless) made the scene work, keeping it fresh and interesting. Man, you just love Abe and Hellboy in that scene -- especially Abe, whose new voice I’m happy to report works splendidly. And the villain, Prince Nuada, was breathtaking. The prince clearly loves his people, the Magical Beings, and he justifies his point of view with the magnetism of a true leader. I was spellbound every time he stepped onscreen. Wait until you see the scene where he defies his father... Stunning. And I think I have something of a crush on the sister, although I can’t say more about her without spoiling the emotional impact of the film’s ending.

So much more to say, but I must get some sleep. I’ll need to see this one again, as there’s so much to absorb. There HAS to be a third one. Too many ripe possibilities to explore. In the meanwhile, see this movie.

[MarisaSmith]

Where I was, wow! Audience loved it, I loved it, etc. etc. Favorite scene was the beginning... (Duh, look at my avatar!) LOVED the flashback. Little Hellboy was a bit odd at first (just didn't match the drawings I have in my head). But who can resist a bedtime story from Prof. Broom? ;-)

Just the scene in the troll market was worth it. Aw man! Amazing! All the creatures. Beautiful. It's wonderful that Del Toro has incorporated so much more of magical realism into Hellboy. I believe it works well in this movie. I don't think there are enough adjectives to describe the visual beauty... Stunning is fitting, but just not enough...

I eagerly anticipate the third installment. And I will go see it again, and again, and again... I just got a new job today, too! So I'll go see it even more!!!

Seriously, this ranks right up there with "El Laberinto del Fauno" as one of Del Toro's masterpieces.

The comedy element is the only thing I heard doubts about from my friends. I personally loved it, I laughed quite a bit. I welcomed the increase in comedic scenes. I think it really added characterization that was missing in the first one.

I'm just so pleased and happy. Wow! What a movie! What a night! It was WELL WORTH the wait!

I'm going to to cry tears of joy now...

[black eyeliner]

seeing the midnight viewing + work at 7am = totally worth it for hb!

the movie wasnt what i expected, but that made me love it even more. :biggrin:
as a whole the movie could have been a little darker...other then that, it seemed like it was just a little slice of hellboys everyday life.


InAdia's spoiler comment...i totally loved that part!

no matter what i think everyone will enjoy it!:cool:

[Celtic_Fiddler]

what a hottie

Yes, Gary is! :smile:

See how happy Selma is to be standing soooooo close to him!

Andrea

[Celtic_Fiddler]

for those of you in Florida
http://www.uberbotonline.com/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=4

'cept they misspelled pamcakes. :rolleyes:

Andrea

[Celtic_Fiddler]

His anyone seen these commercials for Hellboy I on the FX cable channel tonight hosted by Hellboy?!

Saw it last night on FX with Hellboy discussing the movie with the big bowl of popcorn. I was worried that there would be spoilers for HB 2 but that didn't happen - whew. Kinda fun having Ron up there discussing it....

Andrea

[Kees_L]

what a hottie

And Selma Blair ain't bad either! :biggrin:

[prior40]

I've loved the promotion for HBII so far. Especially the Inside the Actors Studio promo. Gotta love when he pulls out the Samaritan!

[patrick r]

Saw the midnight showing and I'm freaking tired but it was worth it. SPOILERS!!!






Okay, first of all, my favorite line of the movie comes from Abe when he and Hellboy were hanging out and drinking and he pulls out the last six pack. FUNNY!

I have to say that the acting on this film was outstanding. Each person seemed to really embrace his/her character - this is true in the first film but dead on in the second. It was awesome to hear Doug Jones' voice for Abe; much better!

I definitely have to second, third or fourth the market scenes. Beautiful! I also liked the elemental and so so many of the other scenes.

Okay, just plain no on the young Hellboy.

I know this would make for a really short version of the movie but when the princess knows her brother's decision at the beginning why doesn't she do what she does at the end of the movie right away. She would have saved her father and taken care of the threat. I would have liked a different solution to the problem at the end.

[Andrew Hein]

Going to go see the movie again tonight with a bunch of my friends.

I'm hoping that under normal movie viewing circumstances my opinion of the film might won't be as harsh as the first time around.

[Todd H]

Coming fresh out of the movie and I'm a little torn. Actually a lot torn. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it.
The movie was visually stunning and I loved the troll market. The fight scenes were also excellent. The story though....maybe I'll like it more after having it sit on my mind a bit.



Spoilers be ahead!








The happy love fest shit needs to stop. Why does EVERYONE need to be in love? Cripes.

And when did Abe become a bondage freak? "Oh I love all these little leather straps!" That line really tore into my gut.

Hellboy and Liz...it pretty much ruined the movie for me. Every time I'd start to forget a little bit about their "relationship" it was thrust to the forefront. The movie could have been soooo much better if we could have cut the "big surprise" crap and focused a bit more on developing Johann or not rushing the first 45 mins of the movie. Juno is dead on about the movie moving to fast. I honestly wish a half hour could have been tacked onto the running time to slow things down just a little.

They introduced Johann and it was like he had been there for 20 years. There was no...getting to know each other type of development. I don't know. He just felt kinda shoved in.

I also think Doug needs to tone down the expressionism just a bit. Too many hand gestures for me. I could absolutely tell it was Doug behind the Chamberlain and the Angel of Death.

I'm really really hoping HB3 does not happen. Not with the way this one ended.

That being said you know I'll see it two more time and be first in line to pick up the uber edition on DVD.

[Pumpkin King]

Saw it Midnight last night. I loved it but most people I heard talking about the film afterward said it sucked. Not sure why...

Joann I liked, but why was he so damn bossy? I know they wrote it to fit in better with the screenplay but, wow.
The movie ended oddly, leaving a sequel very much possible but with all the talk of the twins..is HB 3 going to end up like Shrek the Third? :biggrin:

[Pumpkin King]

BUT....

I did really love the film myself and thought it was way deeper than the first HB. Lots more action, lot more comedy, lot more creepy creatures, lot more of everything! I hope a third film is made is all I can say and cannot wait for the DVD release with all the juicy extras!

[Juno Reactor]

I know this would make for a really short version of the movie but when the princess knows her brother's decision at the beginning why doesn't she do what she does at the end of the movie right away. She would have saved her father and taken care of the threat. I would have liked a different solution to the problem at the end.
SPOILERS.

...

...

...

The princess hoped that her twin would come to reason. But when Hellboy bested the prince in the dual at the end, Nuada said he cannot and will not stop, insinuating he would be a threat to humanity with or without the crown. And when he tried to backstab Hellboy, the princess knew her brother was hopeless. As she said at the beginning of the film, "no flowers will grow out of all this blood." So, she put an end to the bloodshed by killing herself and her twin.

What I'm not quite clear on is why Abe surrendered the final piece of the crown if he knew the prince couldn't hurt his sister without hurting himself. I suspect it was a classic case of "the damsel in distress," the knight coming to rescue the princess held captive against her will. But I'll need to revisit that scene or check the script to see exactly what Abe thought was at stake in regards to Nuala.

I thought the ending worked well. I like how Hellboy, being "the son of the fallen one" and thus royalty among freaks, was entitled to challenge the prince's right to the crown, as per the bedtime fairy tale Broom read at the beginning. And I like how HB spared the prince to save the princess -- a neat twist, although one that led the princess to kill herself anyway as sparing the prince meant endangering the world. The death of the elves was a dual tragedy: on the one hand you have the doomed "Romeo and Juliet" relationship of Abe and Nuala, lovers from families that couldn't reconcile their differences (Man vs. Fairy), and on the other hand you have the prince telling Hellboy that he must remember and care for the monsters, that "they die, and the world is a poorer place." The prince's words affect Hellboy deeply here for the second time in the film, and this, combined with the heroes' distaste for the ungrateful humans and spineless leaders back at headquarters, lead them to quit the BPRD.

Finally, I'd like to say the final scene was perfect. The lush green hills, the sparkling ocean, the warm sunshine, and Hellboy talking up his future as a father -- it was just the right amount of beauty and wit to end the film on a high note. And then Hellboy's reaction to the news of twins -- that freezeframe was delightful and had the audience laughing and clapping in approval.

I might still be scratching my head at Abe's decision with the crown piece (again, what was the danger?), and I think a few more beats here and there would've provided some much-needed breathing room (and Elfman needs to dial down his score on the quiet moments), but all in all it's a gem of a movie.

[TBolt]

Loved the movie, and I still have Barry Manilow stuck in my head. :)

[Todd H]

Well the farther away from the movie I am the more I like it.

There are still some things I find major faults with but I keep thinking about certain parts of the movie and saying "Yeah that was really cool". Like the elemental...he looked completely different than how I thought based on the trailers. So awesome. And Wink. I wish he could have joined the BPRD :frown: Love that big lug.

I still wish the Hellboy/Liz thing would have been toned down a lot more. I imagine I'm not alone in that. Jr is still creepy as hell though...no matter how far from the film I am :biggrin:

I'll probably see it again tonight with some friends. I got a fee pass since the movie wonked out during the Angel of Death scene. They rewound it a bit but I still missed a good chunk of it in the middle.

I have high hopes for The Hobbit now but if Bilbo knocks up some elf chick....

[Mack]

* SPOILER *





I hope Liz miscarries... is that too harsh?

[Todd H]

* SPOILER *





I hope Liz miscarries... is that too harsh?

I was hoping she was going to trade the kid's life for Hellboys during the Angel of Death scene. :redface:

[CBM]

* SPOILER *





I hope Liz miscarries... is that too harsh?
Yes I think it is

[patrick r]

The babies might be a great way to sneak in the stolen baby story from The Corpse as an intro to the third movie. Some goblin steals the babies and Hellboy goes after them.

[Juno Reactor]

I have a feeling that in the third one, Hellboy will fulfill the prophecy and end the world (as GDT has more or less hinted at), and only THEN will Liz give birth to the twins. And with everyone else gone, the twins will inherit the new earth -- the first children of a new race of men.

Or something like that. It seems like the sort of darkly poetic way Guillermo would end the trilogy. Although what meaning he would infuse such a scene with, I'm not sure.

Either way, I trust the man. I have to say, as Hellboy fans we're spoiled to have so much variety. Between the comics, the animation and the film, each medium gives us its own unique version of the Hellboy universe. Things that would never happen in the comics happen in the film and vice-versa, so that we're never retreading the same ol' same ol'. It makes the franchise as a whole bigger and bolder, and I think we're richer for it.

[InAdia]

Either way, I trust the man. I have to say, as Hellboy fans we're spoiled to have so much variety. Between the comics, the animation and the film, each medium gives us its own unique version of the Hellboy universe. Things that would never happen in the comics happen in the film and vice-versa, so that we're never retreading the same ol' same ol'. It makes the franchise as a whole bigger and bolder, and I think we're richer for it.


I agree wholeheartedly. As enthralling stories each medium works for particular reasons yet are also flawed by the absence of something. I feel not having any deep emotional ties to anyone keeps the Hellboy comics from reaching the poetic depths that are present in the art. I enjoy the stories in the comic but its within the pros novels and film where I have grown to LOVE these people.

The film could stand to be a bit more darker, but the humor present in it humanizes the characters and allows us to grow attached to them beyond the superficial "oh they're really cool" relationship that most comic fans have with their heroes.


I don't get why comics fans are so oppose to heroes falling in love. As long as its not forced, a romance arc can add a dimension to the story that otherwise wouldn't be there. I personally feel that this love story with Liz in this film, as well as the love story in the comics with Anastasia, makes the character someone we can all relate to on numerous levels. I can't imagine what a Hellboy film would be like without that loving element. Probably just a big red guy beating up on monsters...as if we didn't have a green one do that a month ago.



I personally love how three dimensional these characters have become thanks to Mike and Guillermo. For so long Liz (my favorite character) was just a girl who made fires, now she's going to be a mother. Remarkable.

The Real Inadia

[Todd H]

I

I don't get why comics fans are so oppose to heroes falling in love. As long as its not forced, a romance arc can add a dimension to the story that otherwise wouldn't be there. I personally feel that this love story with Liz in this film, as well as the love story in the comics with Anastasia, makes the character someone we can all relate to on numerous levels. I can't imagine what a Hellboy film would be like without that loving element. Probably just a big red guy beating up on monsters...as if we didn't have a green one do that a month ago

The Real Inadia


I didn't mind the love arc so much in the first film. It actually added to the character's and helped humanize them a bit. But in this movie it was just to over the top. I felt like it was being jammed down my throat.
There were times I thought the movie should have been called "Hellboy and the Journey to Woodstock".

Problem I had with all the love in this movie is that to me it did feel forced Oh look...Hellboy is in love. Now quick! Let's make Abe fall in love. Wait that's not enough! Let's have Abe's love interests brother make creepy incestuous gestures at her. BUT WAIT!!! Johann! He needs to talk about love too! Hell let's put Manning in the shadows watching Hellboy and Liz so you know he's thinking about love! Love for all!


I almost wish Mike and GDT would have settled on the "Almost Colossus" adaptation. The whole Liz/ Hellboy arc would have fit extremely well into that story.
Even my girlfriend said "What's with Liz being pregnant? That's out of left field".

/shrug

Having said that: I still can't get over how visually stunning everything was. GDT is just a genius with the visuals. Gorgeous movie.

[Pangaea]

*Everything The Real Inadia ever says*

I like a good bit.

[InAdia]

I didn't mind the love arc so much in the first film. It actually added to the character's and helped humanize them a bit. But in this movie it was just to over the top. I felt like it was being jammed down my throat.
There were times I thought the movie should have been called "Hellboy and the Journey to Woodstock".

Problem I had with all the love in this movie is that to me it did feel forced Oh look...Hellboy is in love. Now quick! Let's make Abe fall in love. Wait that's not enough! Let's have Abe's love interests brother make creepy incestuous gestures at her. BUT WAIT!!! Johann! He needs to talk about love too! Hell let's put Manning in the shadows watching Hellboy and Liz so you know he's thinking about love! Love for all!


I almost wish Mike and GDT would have settled on the "Almost Colossus" adaptation. The whole Liz/ Hellboy arc would have fit extremely well into that story.
Even my girlfriend said "What's with Liz being pregnant? That's out of left field".

/shrug


Different strokes I suppose. I thought the love felt fairly natural. Liz and HB grew up together so I can buy there being a great deal of feelings there, unlike movies such as Dardevil where he meets and falls in love with Elektra within 40 minutes, and the paper thin Wolverine Jean Grey saga in the X-Men films. They behave much like a couple living together does. It was an extremely real slice of life for the weird, showing that no matter where you came from women are still insane and men are still boorish. I enjoyed the Abe arc, didn't feel forced that much, although the line at the end kind of underwhelmed me. I especially love how it ended tragically, he got a taste, and it was taken away. It wasn't so much a love arc as a person getting a chance at love and ultimately having it fail. And the incest...well who doesn't like a little of that peppered in their fantasy? Johann's mention of love was a way to christen him into this group that is very much made up of it. Way I see it, is that love is what connects all of these characters that otherwise have no place in the modern world, and to me that makes things all the more heartbreaking when Hellboy destroys it.

As far as comic adaptations are concerned I can do without those as to me they really don't serve a purpose aside from saying, "Hey, look at how accurate we are." Even if it were so, a film would never fully replicate the essence of Mike's art so why even bother trying?

The Real Inadia

[Juno Reactor]

If HB2 didn't have such an emphasis on love, it wouldn't have some of its best scenes. Abe's crush on Nuala led to him and Hellboy bonding over beer and Barry, which for me is unequivocally the most humanizing scene involving monsters in a film to date.

Love was the catalyst for that scene and every scene involving a choice, whether it's Hellboy deciding where in the world he'll feel most accepted (mankind or monsters) or Liz saving Hellboy now at the expense of the world later. When Abe jeopardizes humanity by giving Nuada the last crown piece in exchange for the princess, Hellboy and the others (after a moment's resistance) understand Abe's choice because they would've done the same thing in his situation. They follow their hearts first, for better or worse. They're not perfect.

For me, the love elements were easy to accept. In Abe's case, it was simply a matter of a chance encounter with someone whose beauty caught his eye. When Abe and Nuala placed their palms together and read each other's souls, she knew right away all the goodness in Abe the audience already knows. Abe's smitten with her like a fawning teen, and the silliness that ensues is something we can all relate to. By the measure that it made an already loveable character even more dear to my heart, I think Abe's romantic subplot was worth it. I wish it had a couple beats' more resolve at the end, but even then, I can understand that Abe respected Nuala's choice.

Now, in the case of Johann's throwaway reference to a past love, I see that more as foreshadowing for a third movie, where Guillermo said we'd see Johann's origin tale. And even this scene was established: Liz's rant about Johann's lack of humanity cut him deep and made him feel for his fellow freaks. Again, a couple more beats to reflect on this change would've been nice, but it's not bad what we got, and it kept the fun going.

All of this discussion makes me think back to something Guillermo said in an interview about the comics versus the movies. He said the comics are driven by mood, with lighter characterization, but that same balance wouldn't register well onscreen. To make it work in film, he has to weave new threads into the characters. And when humanizing characters that on the surface are monsters, what better way to do it by then showing that all they want is to be loved?

That's just my take. My goodness I want to see this film again. I can't get it out of my head!

[InAdia]

If HB2 didn't have such an emphasis on love, it wouldn't have some of its best scenes. Abe's crush on Nuala led to him and Hellboy bonding over beer and Barry, which for me is unequivocally the most humanizing scene involving monsters in a film to date.

Love was the catalyst for that scene and every scene involving a choice, whether it's Hellboy deciding where in the world he'll feel most accepted (mankind or monsters) or Liz saving Hellboy now at the expense of the world later. When Abe jeopardizes humanity by giving Nuada the last crown piece in exchange for the princess, Hellboy and the others (after a moment's resistance) understand Abe's choice because they would've done the same thing in his situation. They follow their hearts first, for better or worse. They're not perfect.

For me, the love elements were easy to accept. In Abe's case, it was simply a matter of a chance encounter with someone whose beauty caught his eye. When Abe and Nuala placed their palms together and read each other's souls, she knew right away all the goodness in Abe the audience already knows. Abe's smitten with her like a fawning teen, and the silliness that ensues is something we can all relate to. By the measure that it made an already loveable character even more dear to my heart, I think Abe's romantic subplot was worth it. I wish it had a couple beats' more resolve at the end, but even then, I can understand that Abe respected Nuala's choice.

Now, in the case of Johann's throwaway reference to a past love, I see that more as foreshadowing for a third movie, where Guillermo said we'd see Johann's origin tale. And even this scene was established: Liz's rant about Johann's lack of humanity cut him deep and made him feel for his fellow freaks. Again, a couple more beats to reflect on this change would've been nice, but it's not bad what we got, and it kept the fun going.

All of this discussion makes me think back to something Guillermo said in an interview about the comics versus the movies. He said the comics are driven by mood, with lighter characterization, but that same balance wouldn't register well onscreen. To make it work in film, he has to weave new threads into the characters. And when humanizing characters that on the surface are monsters, what better way to do it by then showing that all they want is to be loved?

That's just my take. My goodness I want to see this film again. I can't get it out of my head!

I think our palms may have touched.

The Real Inadia

[MaskedMan]

And Selma Blair ain't bad either! :biggrin:

ah man you stole it! haha

[carswell13]

I cried.
Was I supposed to?
I did.....for Abe at the end.

Damn you Del Toro.....and thank you.

[InAdia]

I cried.
Was I supposed to?
I did.....for Abe at the end.

Damn you Del Toro.....and thank you.


Don't feel estranged, I did my share as well.

The Real Inadia

[Angilas-Man]

When the movie started I was a bit bewildered because of my expectations and knowlege of the source material (as well as of del Toro's other work). It wasn't the comics, it wasn't the first movie, it was completely different. It was a fantasy adventure movie.

Twenty minutes in I was completely acclimated. Really, what better way to meet someone's expectations than by going against them.

I'd list my favorite scenes, but I'd just end up listing off the entire film; child Hellboy watching Howdy Doody (no, it wasn't creepy. It was awesome), Broom reading the story over the puppets, Wink, Abe and Manning, etc. ect...

MacFarlane was perfect as the movie Johann. Hell, everyone was perfect. This is the Princess Bride of Hellboy. You love all of these freakish characters.

Oh, another bit I loved; Liz flaming up when all the people start going angry village mob on HB. It was such a great "yeah, I'm a freak too" moment.

Oh, Doug Jones is amazing. Abe is so likeable, and doubley likeable when drunk.

...Oh, Abe and HB drunk and talking about Liz over Liz's bed while she is sleeping in it!

I've got to stop. Here's the cliffnotes version; not like Pan's Labyrinth. Not like Hellboy I. Not like the comic book (aside from two or three of the wackier short stories). Not upset about this at all. I'm glad my favorite comic book characters are in a movie this good.

[Angilas-Man]

PS- del Toro better hurry up with that Hobbit stuff. I have a feeling all our (ex) BPRD friends are in trouble... and only one borderline psychotic 1930s crimefighter can possible save them.

:biggrin:

[Ambassador Curt]

Abe's crush on Nuala led to him and Hellboy bonding over beer and Barry, which for me is unequivocally the most humanizing scene involving monsters in a film to date.



Destined to become a classic. That scene had me rollin'.

[MarisaSmith]

I cried.
Was I supposed to?
I did.....for Abe at the end.

Damn you Del Toro.....and thank you.

Ok, glad someone finally said that... I did too... I thought I was just being girly... :biggrin:

[Juno Reactor]

PS- del Toro better hurry up with that Hobbit stuff. I have a feeling all our (ex) BPRD friends are in trouble... and only one borderline psychotic 1930s crimefighter can possible save them. :biggrin:
YES! And yes, yes and more yes to everything you said in your other post!

Also, about the scene with Liz after the Elemental dies... Did anyone notice the nice lil' parallel to the first movie? In the first Hellboy, there was a flashback where young Liz was stoned by bullies calling her a freak. Here, it's Hellboy who's hit with a stone and called a freak by the public, and Liz stands up for him. She's no longer a victim -- she's secure with her power and place in the world. She talks the people down, and flares up to protect her soul mate... But she hurts no one. She's stronger now, and taking control.

And another beautiful Liz-Hellboy moment: on the operating table, Liz tells Hellboy he's the best man she's ever known, and Hellboy, with a tear rolling down his cheek, rests his head and repeats, "A man." In those two words he recalls his father's love and says all that he's ever wanted to be. Not a monster, but a man.

This comes up again in the Angel of Death's lair, when Liz tells Hellboy he can't die because he's going to be a father. If I recall correctly, Hellboy says "I become Father." Not "I'm going to be a father" -- he says "I become Father." He's become the noble human who raised him as a child. Peculiar and beautiful, all at once.

And yes, you’ve got to love HB and Abe leaning drunk over sleeping Liz. "I'd die for her... AND do the dishes!" Oh, and Abe pulling out the six-pack: “It’s the last one!”

Holy shit I love Abe.

[pariah-1972]

Great movie i love all the monsters and the humor.

It did start a little slow for me i didn't like the beginning with that kid and the puppets at all,
i think that could have been cut from the movie and it would have been better.

[Mack]

I was hoping she was going to trade the kid's life for Hellboys during the Angel of Death scene. :redface:

Yes I think it is

Looking back on it, my comment may have been a little much but I'm just not sure how I feel about the whole "Hellboy as a father" idea. I really, REALLY like Del Toro's style and both Hellboy movies have been great. I just wish we could get more from the source material, more character development, and less Hollywood fluff (i.e. love story and Liz's prenancy) :cool:

[gdeo]

this is Guillermo's vision of Hellboy....as much as we would all love to see direct adaptaions of the comics to screen,Mike has always said that every reimagining of hellboy should be different... from the animation version to film version.
It's the relationships in HBII that make it different than your usually "superhero" movie.There is story development and character development that are needed to make the story move along.It'll are come full circle in the next installment...now go see it again !:tongue:

[Gary_B]

Morna and I just got home from watching it. It was fun! I really enjoyed this film.

[prior40]

I loved how Hellboy was watching Howdy Doody, a puppet, then in his imagination the war between the humans and woodland creatures they are puppets. Little things like that make del Torro such a genius.

[hellhound777]

i thought the whole thing was awesome. the troll with the mechanical arm, the fight with the forest elemental , Johann possessing and fighting other golden army soldiers, even when abe and hellboy get drunk and singing cheese love songs was really funny. though i must say that was quit shocked when they said hellboy was going to be a father. still a really great movie.

oh, and i just happen to stumble upon this just a few minuets ago, not related to the movie but still cool
http://www.chrisroberson.net/uploaded_images/bprd-742062.jpg

[mattmanw54301]

just saw it in a packed theater last night....gotta give it a 9.5/10. The only deduction is due to not enough character development. I would like to have seen the villain fleshed out more. With plot developments for our main protagonists, it seems like HB 3, if there is one, will be the end of the series. Which is a shame, because the universe of Hellboy is so vast, we will have barely seen a glimpse before the doors are shut forever.

I completely understand why GDT doesn't want the the HB to be 'Schumachered', but still. There is a huge difference between this and Batman. I hope if the movie saga comes to an end with part 3, that maybe we will get to see some of the earlier HB adventures. Perhaps through novels or comics. If HB Animated can have its own comic, why cant HB Film have novels?

[Neil Hill]

Sometimes applause at the end of a movie is a good indicator of how good the actual movie was, and this is one of those cases, as Hellboy II rocks!! I mentioned to a friend yesterday that I liked Hellboy, but I love Hellboy II. Just so much to like here, as Guillermo has really found what works about this character and world, whereas the first movie still seemed to be finding its way a bit.

I don't even need to say it, but I will. I can't wait for the sequel!!

[Celtic_Fiddler]

I LOVED IT! I can't write my review without many spoilers - I didn't want to do that because somewhere around here I read that we shouldn't -

Andrea

[jnapper]

I LOVED IT! I can't write my review without many spoilers - I didn't want to do that because somewhere around here I read that we shouldn't -

Andrea

Spoil away, Andrea-- I changed the thread name to warn of spoilers. I meant to do that yeasterday!

[InAdia]

Its good to see that so many people enjoyed the film.

The Real Inadia

[chaox]

Okay, I'm unsubscribing until I watch the movie. Have fun. :P

[mattmanw54301]

I think the film also works as a beautiful metaphor for the loss of imagination. As a society, we grow more and more cynical, and we lose the childlike sense of wonder. This also could be a metaphor for simply growing up. As our minds fill up with jobs, cell phones, shopping malls and highways, the things that we cherished in our youth get pushed aside. And that is a tragedy.

To preserve at least something of our ability to dream, and recognize the wonder of the world around us, seems to be what GDT is begging us to do. The reason why he and Mignola are so successful is that this is how they think. All the wonder and magic in the film first existed in GDT's head. He is a master storyteller because he can take something as fleeting and unfinished (for most of us) and make it real. He can bring it from the fog and drag it into the light, and say 'THIS IS WHAT I DREAM ABOUT'. And that is a rare thing indeed, to have an imagination so vivid, so sharp, that it can pull things like that from nothing.

The sadness of the film got to me, especially the plant elemental, and Nuada's last lines. That's why I fear that the HB movie universe is going to be finished, and while I understand that Ron cant be Red forever, it still seems such a waste. I am going to seriously cry my eyes out if HB dies in the next one.

[Mack]

now go see it again !:tongue:

Going on Sunday.... my mother-in-law wants to see it :biggrin:

[jnapper]

For those who have not seen the movie, sorry per making it a "spoiler go" zone -- I don't have the energy right now to watch if something should be marked spoiler or not, so it's now "spoilers ahoy." :)

[Pangaea]

*SPOILERS*






Saw it last night with two friends who have no idea about Hellboy and they definitely liked it. My one friend just likes movies, so he loved it, and my other friend just saw the first movie and doesn't read the comics, he liked it, but only after the first 40 minutes, the beginning was too slow for him, and he didn't like how Selma was dieing in the first one and Hellboy is dieing in this one, and he said it seemed like this movie was just to set up for another movie, instead of being a movie on its own. I, being a giant Hellboy fan, enjoyed it. Overall it was a fun film to kick back and enjoy.

It seemed almost like the studio had a little more say in this film, trying to please pretty much any person in the audience between the fighting, love fest(which didn't bother me), and all different forms of comedy.

Deviating a good bit from the comics, however still staying true to its essence. For example, the pregnancy definitely going farther away from the comics and making "the movie Hellboy" more different than the "comic Hellboy. Yet, with all these creatures randomly being in there and treated like they belong there and they've been there all along is a lot like the comics. At first I was sort of on par with my friend, that, in the first film, Liz was dieing and now in this one Hellboy is dieing, which I kind of thought of as a recycled thing, but yet in the comics everyone is almost always on the brink of death so it is understandable.

Did anyone else notice the little things in the background? When Hellboy has to disconnect with Selma because of Johann ordering him in the Troll Market, as she was about to tell him she was pregnant, the camera goes to her as they disconnect and she turns and sighs and above her in the background is a billboard that says, "It's a big decision, let's make it together".

When Hellboy is either about to battle or battling the Elemental, I can't recall, only saw it that once, there is a scene where he pauses and there is a neon cross in the background speaking about sin and repsonsibility, resonating Hellboy's betrayel of the creatures of the Earth and siding with the humans.

These will be good for the DVD to try and spot, I'm sure there are tons of 'em.

Oh and Hellboy and Abe drinking...the best thing ever, hilarious. I was crying.

Also, Selma...wow. There is no way she is 36, she must have found some fountain of youth, she is, literally and figurativley, on fire in this movie.

[Donald]

I can't say I was totally blown away, but it was good. I liked the story and it did seem like a bigger budgeted movie than it was. Ron did a great job as Hellboy, Liz had more presences this time and overall it was a good time. The Troll market was excellent as was the elemental fight. Doug did a great job as all of Abe, I didn't miss David's voice at all. The puppet sequence at the being was brilliant! They need to make a Goblin king puppet real quick.

Spoilery things



The pace was too fast. I'm hoping for an extra 30-45 min on the directors cut. The BPRD being exposed and public reaction needed much more screen time.


Johan was terrible all around. His attitude was more like a Nazi drill instructor and his powers were too different from the books. His turn around at the end was too sudden.

Abe was better in this one. Getting beat on by Wink made him seem less fragile and more of a part of the team. But giving up the key at the end? I could see him taking it to save HB but giving it up without a fight when he knew Nuala was in no danger? Too rooky for Abe.

When did Manning go from in control to blubbering moron? He was much more in control in the first and a better character.

Del Toro's versions of the characters just don't click with me. If the originals are good enough to make a movie from, they're good enough to be in the movie. In this one they were a little too slap-stick.

Two things that bothered me through both. The human BPRD agents, too "Men in Black". Give them the book uniforms instead of dark suits. Suits may hide the monster blood better, I guess. Any why does a secret gov't agency have a logo that is plastered everywhere? On the crates, HB's coat, the side of the C4 transport plane?? Even Liz had "BPRD" on her vest. :confused:


The movie has gotten good reviews and I hope it does do well enough for a sequel. The twins story line needs to be followed up on and should be interesting.

Give it 7/10 I suppose.

[pariah-1972]

What happened to that one kid that was new to BPRD in the first movie that was clashing with HB and semi trying to mack on Liz?

Tom Mannings character had changed so much that i felt like he was pointless in the movie,
I wont say i was crazy about him the first time around cause he seemed like an idiot but at least he had the balls to say what was on his mind
And i was hoping that in this one they would come to more of an understanding or at least butt heads more ?
now he just seems like a Joke and his antagonistic role was given over to Johann (whom i loved cause he cracked me up and i loved his scuba-gear costume)
I was glad to see Liz and Abe get more screen time.

I don't really understand why they are constantly sending agents out on the field into dangerous missions with nothing but a tiny handgun when Abe walks around with hi tech equipment..I guess they made good cannon fodder tho i saw that coming a mile away.

[hellboyone]

What happened to that one kid that was new to BPRD in the first movie that was clashing with HB and semi trying to mack on Liz?


Hellboy had him sent somewhere cold, I forget where.

[mattmanw54301]

Antartica. Only slightly colder than here in Wisconsin.

[Donald]

Antartica. Only slightly colder than here in Wisconsin.

Plus Antarctica has Giant Albino Penguins.

[jackups]

Why would HB have Myers moved when they basically became friends at the end of the first film :confused:
Would of been nice to see a cameo but Evans was busy. Quite like his character's scenes with HB.

[Angilas-Man]

^It's a perfect Hellboy personality thing. Myers saved his life and they did become friends... but he couldn't let go of the fact that the guy might have an eye for Liz so he gets him transfered the moment the oppurtunity presents itself.

[Juno Reactor]

The pace was too fast. I'm hoping for an extra 30-45 min on the directors cut. The BPRD being exposed and public reaction needed much more screen time.
There won't be a director's cut. Guillermo said in a video interview that the theatrical cut is the director's cut, as with Pan's Labyrinth. For better or worse, GDT is of the opinion that the cut we got in theatres is the one he's happiest with. Personally, I'm fine with the decision, even if I agree that the first viewing could've benefited from additional beats here and there to better establish certain decisions and character changes.

I don't think Johann's turn was too sudden, though. It felt abrupt the way he brought it up in the hangar, but the reason was clear. He felt like an ass for what he'd done. Liz called him out on his missing humanity and in the process brought it back.

As for the BPRD exposure and the public's opinion of Hellboy, I think Guillermo's intent was to keep the story focused tightly on our central group of characters, relegating the exposure to the background where you see various reports of the world's reactions on TV. Occasionally it comes into the foreground, at crucial moments where Hellboy has to choose between man or magic. It's there just enough so you can understand why Hellboy might entertain the merits of life among monsters, and for me it worked to make the resolution of Hellboy and Liz's domestic crisis more believable. When all the world's against them, "all these freaks have is each other."

When did Manning go from in control to blubbering moron? He was much more in control in the first and a better character.

Keeping Hellboy secret is a high-stress job. In HB1 it was all Broom's responsibility, with Manning giving him shit when Hellboy brushed with the public, as we saw at the Machen Library. In HB2, Broom is gone and Manning has since been tasked with keeping Hellboy a secret. It's driving him to a nervous meltdown (hence all the antacids), and when Hellboy is exposed, it compromises Manning's job security. The idea is that some people who act tough on the outside are spineless on the inside.

Heh. The audience burst into laughter when Manning showed Abe the pic of Hellboy posing and told him he was signing autographs.

Two things that bothered me through both. The human BPRD agents, too "Men in Black". Give them the book uniforms instead of dark suits. Suits may hide the monster blood better, I guess. Any why does a secret gov't agency have a logo that is plastered everywhere? On the crates, HB's coat, the side of the C4 transport plane?? Even Liz had "BPRD" on her vest.
Yeah, I've never been too keen on how disposable the human agents are, although I understand it's a sort of storytelling device to illustrate how deadly the monsters are. I bet they wear the suits so they can go out in public, something the "enhanced talents" can't always do. HB2 made it easier for me to suspend my disbelief, though. We see them wrangling monsters, they're shown wielding stun guns in the hallway scene at the beginning, and one even survives for a good part of the tooth fairy fight, while Hellboy makes a good effort to save another. I guess they don't usually deal with stuff as intense as the monster attacks in the films.

As for the BPRD logo being plastered everywhere, it's something many government agencies do. Look at the vests of SWAT teams -- the word SWAT marks them as a unit. Also, if you were in the government handling packages from the BPRD, you'd probably want the logo there to know what you're dealing with. Might be tooth fairies or something. "Handle with care," indeed! :biggrin:

[Kelly Tindall]

I enjoyed the movie quite a bit, but I really, really hated the foreshadowing. Almost every major plot point was telegraphed so clearly and so far in advance that it really sucked the energy out of much of the film.

I liked it, it looked lovely, but if you had a problem figuring out how the villain was going to buy the farm, you might have brain damage and should probably be checked out by a neurologist.

[Angilas-Man]

^ I just don't like how the one detail about the film that critic's are picking on is that the villians are one-dimensional or not well thought out. I thought Nuada's intentions are fairly easy to understand and even thought he's creepy you can always see the emotions affecting him. In the scene at the auction house he is clearly disgusted by the humans, when HB kills Wink he almost cries, with his sister he... yeah....


Anyway, the heroes of the film all quit (at least partially) becuase of having to fight this guy!

Despite the fact that it was inevitable how Nuada would bite it (though I was hoping he wouldn't 'cause I'm a sucker and wanted the Princess to live), I was completely suprised that they all quit and that Liz is carrying Hell-twins. So I ended up being suprised!

BTW Guillermo is a Hayao Miyazaki fan. Did anyone get a Castle of Cagliostro vibe from the fight with Nuada? Disney and the '90s Batman toon already did versions of it.

[Juno Reactor]

^ I just don't like how the one detail about the film that critic's are picking on is that the villians are one-dimensional or not well thought out. I thought Nuada's intentions are fairly easy to understand and even thought he's creepy you can always see the emotions affecting him. In the scene at the auction house he is clearly disgusted by the humans, when HB kills Wink he almost cries, with his sister he... yeah....
I loved Nuada and Mr. Wink so much that I'd watch a whole movie about them. They're like batshit crazy versions of Han and Chewie.

When the lil' goblin told Nuada that Wink died, the expression on the prince's face twisted my heart. The poor guy lost his only friend... :frown:

[Todd H]

I was completely suprised that they all quit

BPRD TV series would be much easier to option without having to worry about the stars of the film or that much make up for the main characters. Just a thought.

[MaskedMan]

only problem i had with this friggin' amazing movie is the young hellboy acting...he looked cool and all but the acting kind of made me cringe.

[-=Valkyre=-]

I must say, I enjoyed every moment of Hellboy II: The Golden Army. Abe has always been my favorite, and to see him so much I was bouncing in my seat.
Some say it's better than the first, some say it's too busy and too much is happening far too quickly. I say it's not outdoing the first movie, but rather on the level storyline wise, as the first was darker and meant to be such. The second is much different, more along the lines of character development.
Again, that is just my interpretation.

I will not post any spoilers, but if you haven't seen it, do so!
(God it feels good to get back in here. I missed CBR over my hiatus...)

[Epon-Hem]

Although I sort of expected more action, I was pleasantly surprised with the movie with all the unexpected details. I guess I was really in for it seeing as how the opening was a surprise even though HB Junior's acting made me cringe too. The pacing is what I really liked along with the fight scenes especially with Nuada though some scene entrance and music seemed a bit random. Characterizations were awesome.

[MarisaSmith]

^BTW Guillermo is a Hayao Miyazaki fan. Did anyone get a Castle of Cagliostro vibe from the fight with Nuada? Disney and the '90s Batman toon already did versions of it.

OMG!!! Okay THANK YOU for saying that! I totally thought of that when I saw the fight scene. I'm a big Miyazaki fan and just thought I was being all fangirl and making weird parallels to my other favorite movies.

[MercuryRising]

i must say...the singing scene was very heartwarming indeed....

[pariah-1972]

Although I sort of expected more action, I was pleasantly surprised with the movie with all the unexpected details. I guess I was really in for it seeing as how the opening was a surprise even though HB Junior's acting made me cringe too. The pacing is what I really liked along with the fight scenes especially with Nuada though some scene entrance and music seemed a bit random. Characterizations were awesome.The didn't look authentic either more like they slapped some red body paint on him and that was it.
I honestly was very bored with that whole thing and i felt it could have been better delivered thro exposition from someone current.

[Bill Thompson]

I thought this movie was perfect in every way except for one flaw, the ending with the twins was very obvious from the moment they revealed they were linked. The humor was spot on, the visuals were amazing, the action was excellent, the characters all interacted greatly, the messages the movie contained were well laid out and everything was resolved while still leaving open areas for a third one. Not the best movie of the year, that honor belongs to Wall.E, but second best so far.

[Epon-Hem]

The didn't look authentic either more like they slapped some red body paint on him and that was it.
I honestly was very bored with that whole thing and i felt it could have been better delivered thro exposition from someone current.
Yeah, I had some moments were I leaned on my hand knuckle cos some seemed really cheesy.

As for HB Junior I sort of agree, except my gripe was more on the way he acted/talked. Does anyone else think that his teeth were fake (they're huge)? His lip movement seemed a bit off when he was talking too.

[pariah-1972]

Yeah, I had some moments were I leaned on my hand knuckle cos some seemed really cheesy.

As for HB Junior I sort of agree, except my gripe was more on the way he acted/talked. Does anyone else think that his teeth were fake (they're huge)? His lip movement seemed a bit off when he was talking too.His teeth did seem really really white and it was off putting.
I would also prefer his personality to have been the same one he has now and not this cliche "golly gee whiz dad" B.S


It would have been hilarious if he was smoking stogies even back then would have been hilarious to see.

It would also make me gleefull to know that it would make all the conservative soccer moms who brought there kids to the movie squirm just a wee bit.

[Gary_B]

I didn't find the Hellboy Junior character very convincing either but I loved the presentation of the story of the Golden Army with John Hurt narrating and puppets acting.

Besides young Hellboy I thought the acting was much better than what we saw in the first movie. Ilsa Haupstein and Rasputin didn't work for me. I thought Selma Blair did a better job in the new film, too.

[pariah-1972]

I didn't find the Hellboy Junior character very convincing either but I loved the presentation of the story of the Golden Army with John Hurt narrating and puppets acting.

Besides young Hellboy I thought the acting was much better than what we saw in the first movie. Ilsa Haupstein and Rasputin didn't work for me. I thought Selma Blair did a better job in the new film, too.She was givin more to do which i think helped make her more convincing than a grown up version of Firestarter.

[Bill Thompson]

I would also prefer his personality to have been the same one he has now and not this cliche "golly gee whiz dad" B.S

The fact that his personality was like that as a child makes it even more plausible that he has his current disposition. A lifetime of being sheltered and cloistered from everyone else will eventually whittle away the attitude he has as a child into the more smart ass attitude he employs as an adult.

[pariah-1972]

The fact that his personality was like that as a child makes it even more plausible that he has his current disposition. A lifetime of being sheltered and cloistered from everyone else will eventually whittle away the attitude he has as a child into the more smart ass attitude he employs as an adult.Actually i disagree with that, considering the somewhat sheltered life he has lived he probably shouldn't be acting like a hard nosed middle aged Brooklyn cop

But i really like the cynical bitter and sarcastic personality that he has,
even if maybe deep down inside its a front for his sensitivity.

[Jawa]

I'm sad to say I don't think I liked it as much as the first movie. As a movie all on it's own, I thought it was very imaginative and charming. As a Hellboy movie, though, I was kind of let down. I knew going into it that it was going in a different direction with all the fairy tale-esque elements, but personally I prefer a Hellboy that's smashing up weird, sci-fi/Nazi/Lovecraftian scenery. There was lots of fun characterization, lots of cool action to watch, lots of brilliant creature design. There just wasn't enough of what made me fall in love with Hellboy way back in the original SEED OF DESTRUCTION miniseries. I guess that's kind of why the recent comics haven't been clicking with me, either. I don't blame Mike or Del Toro for wanting to chart new territory. Spider-Man doesn't always fight The Green Goblin in New York City. But as I told a buddy of mine, this felt like Luke Skywalker fighting the Blue Meanies. And when we don't get too many live-action Hellboy movies to start with (and it looks like we are gonna be waiting a very long time for the next one), I just would prefer something that better captures the iconic heart of Hellboy.

[Gary_B]

It would have been hilarious if he was smoking stogies even back then would have been hilarious to see.

It would also make me gleefull to know that it would make all the conservative soccer moms who brought there kids to the movie squirm just a wee bit.

There was some kind of disclaimer about smoking in the closing credits. I wish we didn't live in such a litigious society.

[Bill Thompson]

Actually i disagree with that, considering the somewhat sheltered life he has lived he probably shouldn't be acting like a hard nosed middle aged Brooklyn cop

As someone that worked in social services for a bit, the attitude that Hellboy displays after living such a sheltered life is very normal. In most cases extremely sheltered children grow up to either A) Be complete smart ass anti-establishment like Hellboy, or B) quiet and mousy do as their told types.

[pariah-1972]

There was some kind of disclaimer about smoking in the closing credits. I wish we didn't live in such a litigious society.They would sue a movie company for having a character that smokes cigars?

[mattmanw54301]

In a society where a woman has sued a man for sexual harrassment because he said 'ho ho ho' during Christmas season, I would not be surprised.

[pariah-1972]

As someone that worked in social services for a bit, the attitude that Hellboy displays after living such a sheltered life is very normal. In most cases extremely sheltered children grow up to either A) Be complete smart ass anti-establishment like Hellboy, or B) quiet and mousy do as their told types.I have lived a pretty sheltered life and still do right now so i'm not sure what type i fit into.

I am pretty anti-establishment (but not anti mass media like some wanna anarchist punk rocker) but i'm also very sensitive and can be very shy in public.

[Angilas-Man]

BTW young Hellboy was played by the Mexican female makeup artist you saw in the special features of the first Hellboy DVD.

She's pretty cute.

[pariah-1972]

BTW young Hellboy was played by the Mexican female makeup artist you saw in the special features of the first Hellboy DVD.

She's pretty cute.What the hell?

[Pangaea]

As far Hellboy growing up to be a smart ass, think about it.

He has like 47 televisions and he loves watching old westerns, monster movies, the news, and action movies, besides that, he grew up on a military base.

You don't think he would pick up a little attitude along with the cigar smoking?

[Bill Thompson]

I have lived a pretty sheltered life and still do right now so i'm not sure what type i fit into.

I am pretty anti-establishment (but not anti mass media like some wanna anarchist punk rocker) but i'm also very sensitive and can be very shy in public.

Not everyone fits into the established types, but they are used as a general guideline in social services and more often than not people do fit into one type or the other.

[pariah-1972]

As far Hellboy growing up to be a smart ass, think about it.

He has like 47 televisions and he loves watching old westerns, monster movies, the news, and action movies, besides that, he grew up on a military base.

You don't think he would pick up a little attitude along with the cigar smoking?Well it's possible but i didn't know he watched monster movies and i didn't consider that place a "military base"

[Bill Thompson]

Well it's possible but i didn't know he watched monster movies and i didn't consider that place a "military base"

That was a military base, they even described it as such in the "you are here" identifier they placed at the bottom of the screen. He probably spent most of his life moving from base to base until they finally allowed Professor Broom his own facility for the BPRD.

[Donald]

I would also prefer his personality to have been the same one he has now and not this cliche "golly gee whiz dad" B.S

Junior wasn't too bad, it must have been hard finding someone so young that could put up with all the make up.

His teeth are like his hand, he has to grow into them.

I think the gee-whiz attitude was right on. He's being raised on a military base in the 50's, lots of respect to elders and yes sir, no sir. His only examples of childhood behavior would come from TV, Leave it to Beaver or what ever was on back then. Trevor would be a stern father I think too and not put up with disrespect. In the books HB has a lot of respect for his elders, co workers and people he feels are competent in their fields. It's just paper pushers and people in charge who don't know as much as he does, like movie Manning, that he has problems with.

[pariah-1972]

That was a military base, they even described it as such in the "you are here" identifier they placed at the bottom of the screen. He probably spent most of his life moving from base to base until they finally allowed Professor Broom his own facility for the BPRD.so its an abandon military base cause there was no military people there just FBI type agents.

[Bill Thompson]

so its an abandon military base cause there was no military people there just FBI type agents.

Which one, the one at the beginning of the movie when HB was young? That's the base I'm talking about, and there they didn't show anyone but HB and Broom. Those types of bases are most likely where HB grew up until later in life when they allowed Broom to have the facility you see in the both movies, the headquarters for the BPRD in Jersey. That one isn't a military base, although it's still a government facility.

[Pangaea]

Well it's possible but i didn't know he watched monster movies and i didn't consider that place a "military base"

Next time you see the movie, watch the television screens; You'll see Frankenstein amoung others.

As for the military base..shouldn't the guys in fatigues and tanks give it away? It's even in the comics that he grew up on a military base and that's where he got his attitude and smoking from.

[Angilas-Man]

What the hell?

According to the Art of HB2 book she was the only one Guillermo considered for the role.

[pariah-1972]

Next time you see the movie, watch the television screens; You'll see Frankenstein amoung others.

As for the military base..shouldn't the guys in fatigues and tanks give it away? It's even in the comics that he grew up on a military base and that's where he got his attitude and smoking from.I saw that actually but he wasn't actually watching it right then and i saw it more as an allusion to his own monsterness i guess.,

[Boston Style]

I'm sad to say I don't think I liked it as much as the first movie. As a movie all on it's own, I thought it was very imaginative and charming. As a Hellboy movie, though, I was kind of let down. I knew going into it that it was going in a different direction with all the fairy tale-esque elements, but personally I prefer a Hellboy that's smashing up weird, sci-fi/Nazi/Lovecraftian scenery. There was lots of fun characterization, lots of cool action to watch, lots of brilliant creature design. There just wasn't enough of what made me fall in love with Hellboy way back in the original SEED OF DESTRUCTION miniseries. I guess that's kind of why the recent comics haven't been clicking with me, either. I don't blame Mike or Del Toro for wanting to chart new territory. Spider-Man doesn't always fight The Green Goblin in New York City. But as I told a buddy of mine, this felt like Luke Skywalker fighting the Blue Meanies. And when we don't get too many live-action Hellboy movies to start with (and it looks like we are gonna be waiting a very long time for the next one), I just would prefer something that better captures the iconic heart of Hellboy.

You know, I can't completely disagree with the above assesment. I feel that GDT put together a great picture, but not an amazing HB picture. I love Hellboy more than any other comic book (or otherwise) character and feel that thru the years have developed a solid understanding of where Mignola has brought the character, but this didnt seem like HB to me. I know that GDT has created his own universe for HB, and has created some amazing set pieces, etc., but this didnt feel the same as the first picture.

I know that I will be in the minority on this, but I guess I was a little disappointed.

ps. Selma Blair looked AMAZING!

[Bill Thompson]

You know, I can't completely disagree with the above assesment. I feel that GDT put together a great picture, but not an amazing HB picture. I love Hellboy more than any other comic book (or otherwise) character and feel that thru the years have developed a solid understanding of where Mignola has brought the character, but this didnt seem like HB to me. I know that GDT has created his own universe for HB, and has created some amazing set pieces, etc., but this didnt feel the same as the first picture.

I know that I will be in the minority on this, but I guess I was a little disappointed.

ps. Selma Blair looked AMAZING!

This doesn't matter to me at all. I've never understood the need for a movie to be like the comic or like the book. It's a completely different medium that is completely separate from the source material.

[pariah-1972]

Which one, the one at the beginning of the movie when HB was young? That's the base I'm talking about, and there they didn't show anyone but HB and Broom. Those types of bases are most likely where HB grew up until later in life when they allowed Broom to have the facility you see in the both movies, the headquarters for the BPRD in Jersey. That one isn't a military base, although it's still a government facility.I didn't what that thing was in the beginning.

[mattmanw54301]

so its an abandon military base cause there was no military people there just FBI type agents.


I agree about the BPRD agents. They should have been in some kind of military-like unifrom. however, the reason for the business attire is that they had to pass for normal FBI.

[Juno Reactor]

Not to knock on anyone's intelligence here, but I'm surprised anyone's confused about the whole base situation. In the Christmas Eve prologue the movie clearly identifies the area as an Army base. It makes sense, considering how a decade before Hellboy was rescued by the Allied forces during WWII. As their first "enhanced talent" agent, the government probably didn't know what to do with Hellboy. Just like in the comics (see "Pancakes").

Unlike the comics, however, Hellboy stayed a secret in the movies. So the government set aside a secret headquarters for the newly-formed BPRD. Hellboy's smartass attitude has everything to do with a sheltered life, a shit job, and ungrateful phonies calling all the shots. As a sweet lil' boy, sure, he was more respectful. It was the texture of the times, before the rebellious rock 'n roll revolution that no doubt influenced him later in life as he continued to absorb everything pop culture.

I can buy it.

And speaking of buying, I need to own this film. I saw it again today with my brother. We caught the 1:30 show. The theatre was half-full, and a quarter stayed through the whole credits. Once again, everyone loved it. And on our way out, there was a HUGE line already waiting for the next showing. This, at a theatre with 20 huge auditoriums (and many showings of Hellboy in progress). Damn, this movie must be doing well.

I absolutely, 100 percent ADORED the movie the second time around. I loved it the first time, but I'm head-over-heels in love with it now. Any nitpickings of pacing or line delivery were eradicated after the second viewing. Everything flows so smoothly, with just the right amount of emphasis on every beat. It really clicks when you know what to expect. I wish it was even longer (so does the audience, if staying till the blue PG-13 sign at the end is any indication), but there's so much packed into those two hours that I'm just being greedy.

I teared up during the bit after the operating room where that beautiful music is playing and Abe remembers the princess reciting the poem and he turns and finds the crown piece in the book. And I choked up again when Abe held the dying princess and told her with her hands everything that'd take a lifetime to say, and she says, "It's beautiful." Oh my god. And I'm not one of those crazy "fan sapiens," either, although I love the character. And the prince's appeal to Hellboy gave me goosebumps (as did the prince's reaction to killing his own father). This whole movie is beautiful.

I also caught that those were Johann's engagement/wedding rings that he handed to Abe, which lends his self-reflection scene extra weight. I didn't notice them the first time around. I really liked Johann's love story in the comics, so it'll be interesting to see what Guillermo has in mind for him on that front.

Abe's reasons for giving up the piece make more sense now too. The prince would rather kill himself and take his sister with him than fail in his bid for the Golden Army. He even cuts his sister -- and himself -- in the library. Abe and Liz originally go to Ireland because the spear-tip in Hellboy is the prince's magic and they figure only he can remove it. But aside from saving Hellboy, Abe wants to save the princess. He'd selfishly give the prince the fairy equivalent of the nuke if it meant saving the girl he loves.

Oh, and that whole bit with Hellboy deciding whether to kill the Elemental? POWERFUL. This time it really struck me. That look in Hellboy's eyes... It's one thing to kill pure evil straight outta hell, but this, this was something precious and beautiful fighting for its survival. You can see it in Hellboy's eyes, how pained he is by the situation. When the Elemental continues to attack (merely trying to survive) and the people yell at him, HB pulls the trigger, but feels terrible for it. And the aftermath... Classic.

...on a side note, it's hard to believe young Hellboy is that chick who did the creature effects in Pan's Labyrinth. Watch the Pan's special features, she's really cute.

[The Xenos]

I totally enjoyed it despite some nitpicks as a fan of the books. Certainly the visuals were a step up and the mythical creatures were even better.

The opening bit with the puppets was brilliant. The scene with the troll lady and the market was amazing. As much as I don't care for an urban setting, the forrest god scene was gorgeous. Reminded me of something out of Miyazaki. Certainly man vs nature and spirtualism was a theme here too. As weird as it was, the drunk singing scene was hilarious.

Yet.. one thing killed this movie for me. Well, it's not dead to me because it's that magical, but one thing really annoyed me. Preggers. Really? Wasn't it bad enough we has Superman knocking up Lois? I was never too sold on Hellboy and Liz to begin with, but I thought it was cute and touching in the first one. In the sequel it just felt cliche, especially this announcement.

As for the other nitpick, Johann was a bit strict, but he had a role to fill in the film. Plus he did loosen up later on.

so its an abandon military base cause there was no military people there just FBI type agents.

You know. That's another nitpick. The suits. BPRD agents are not MiB. They wear more military uniforms, not suits. It sounds like a small thing, but I think it gives a different visual and tone to things. Plus it would separate someone like Manning from the grunts.

[mattmanw54301]

I just read about a supposed cut post-credits sequence where Kroenen comes back. Apparently its in the original script. Anyone know if this is legit? And if so, where can I read it?

[Angilas-Man]

^The shooting script is in the Art of HB2 book. It had Rasputin, the Zinco corporation, and Kroenen now a head in a jar like von Klempt.

[jackups]

Did say how they come back or jus tthat in a scene that they appear...could someone describe it for me please.
Also is there anything i need to stay after the credits for ??

[Juno Reactor]

You know. That's another nitpick. The suits. BPRD agents are not MiB. They wear more military uniforms, not suits. It sounds like a small thing, but I think it gives a different visual and tone to things. Plus it would separate someone like Manning from the grunts.
I think I said this earlier, but you got to remember that up until now the BPRD was top secret in the movies. BPRD agents wear suits so they can go anywhere without revealing the existence of the organization (as opposed to HB, Abe and Liz, who can wear whatever because they're kept under wraps). If guys were running around in army fatigues every time they had to secure an area and check something, people would be a LOT more suspicious of those "garbage trucks." Now that the secret's out, I wouldn't be surprised if the dress code at the BPRD started to change into something more militaristic.

Plus, as a storytelling device, the Secret Service suits are a visual shortcut for the whole notion of a secret government agency. It tells you what you need to know without the camera spinning around for a full-facial view of del Toro telling the audience, "They're seeeeeeeeecret!"

I have a question, though. What's the name of the song that plays when the garbage truck is traveling to the Brooklyn Bridge? There's a girl singing the song. Please tell me the name, it's awesome! This movie's equivalent of the first film's "Breathe In" by Paloalto.

EDIT: The Kroenen scene was described in the "Art of Hellboy II" book. I think Guillermo said it was dropped due to budgetary concerns, but that he plans to put it in the third movie. As for HB2's credits, there's nothing but awesome, awesome music.

[SpydaWeb]

I just read about a supposed cut post-credits sequence where Kroenen comes back. Apparently its in the original script. Anyone know if this is legit? And if so, where can I read it?

Never got filmed.

[Juno Reactor]

Someone should post the excerpt describing that scene from the book.

Someone should also tell me the name of the song that plays when the garbage truck drives to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Someone should also get me a drink.

[Angilas-Man]

The prologue was just Zinco getting out of his helicopter and entering a secret Nazi base in the artic with a box, opens it, it's Kroenen's head, puts head on top of a big cyborg body, and then Rasputin emerges from the shadows dressed in a black cloak with a huge hole in his chest and says something or other about everything going to plan.

I haven't bought the book yet. I did browse it heavily at the store yesturday.

[SpydaWeb]

I was thinking there would be an LJ cameo in here somewhere. Have I missed it or did LJ not make the cut this time out?

By cameo I mean any sort of reference or nod to Lobster Johnson. A calling card on a table, a cartoon/tv show on one of HB's television screens, whatever.

[Juno Reactor]

The prologue was just Zinco getting out of his helicopter and entering a secret Nazi base in the artic with a box, opens it, it's Kroenen's head, puts head on top of a big cyborg body, and then Rasputin emerges from the shadows dressed in a black cloak with a huge hole in his chest and says something or other about everything going to plan.

I haven't bought the book yet. I did browse it heavily at the store yesturday.
Whoa, that's awesome! I'm trying to picture what this "big cyborg body" looks like. Did the book at least describe whether it's a man-sized body, like Herman's body in "Conqueror Worm," or if it's more like Leopold's mecha at the beginning of "Wake the Devil?" It'd be nice to know if we'll see ninja Kroenen again or if he's going all Gundam on us.

Also, does it say if he still has his helmet and if so, which one?

Either way, this scene is something that could easily be included in the third movie. It'd be right after another Broom flashback (gotta have one of those!).

[jackups]

The prologue was just Zinco getting out of his helicopter and entering a secret Nazi base in the artic with a box, opens it, it's Kroenen's head, puts head on top of a big cyborg body, and then Rasputin emerges from the shadows dressed in a black cloak with a huge hole in his chest and says something or other about everything going to plan.

I haven't bought the book yet. I did browse it heavily at the store yesturday.

That sounds awsome. Shame it dident get put in, it would really make people hungry for a third. lol though i hope Kroenen doesnt become Von Klempt : P
and a LOJO anything would be awsome. I beileve Roger is seen again.

[SpydaWeb]

Kroenen basically replaces the Klempt character in the movies. I'm kind of glad the scene didn't make it into this film. I'm hoping GDT will realize the err of his ways and bring Herman into the films, as his own character. Just give Kroenen a separate body.

BTW, the scene will likely open in the 3rd film according to GDT, but probably slightly re-envisioned.

I do love that last bit of dialog in the sequence though...

ZINCO
It's all exactly as you promised--

Out of the shadows emerges Rasputin,
dressed in a black robe and holding
a small leather book. In his chest: a
gaping hole, steaming softly in the cold
Antarctic air.

RASPUTIN
And so shall be the end of it all...

[jackups]

Badass...
Yeah i love the Klempt character...Kroenen really wouldent serve the same effect in the films, not speaking and being a killing machine an all : P
Would love to see some more Nazi science...and Gorilla's

[pariah-1972]

I think I said this earlier, but you got to remember that up until now the BPRD was top secret in the movies. BPRD agents wear suits so they can go anywhere without revealing the existence of the organization (as opposed to HB, Abe and Liz, who can wear whatever because they're kept under wraps). If guys were running around in army fatigues every time they had to secure an area and check something, people would be a LOT more suspicious of those "garbage trucks." Now that the secret's out, I wouldn't be surprised if the dress code at the BPRD started to change into something more militaristic.

Plus, as a storytelling device, the Secret Service suits are a visual shortcut for the whole notion of a secret government agency. It tells you what you need to know without the camera spinning around for a full-facial view of del Toro telling the audience, "They're seeeeeeeeecret!"

I have a question, though. What's the name of the song that plays when the garbage truck is traveling to the Brooklyn Bridge? There's a girl singing the song. Please tell me the name, it's awesome! This movie's equivalent of the first film's "Breathe In" by Paloalto.

EDIT: The Kroenen scene was described in the "Art of Hellboy II" book. I think Guillermo said it was dropped due to budgetary concerns, but that he plans to put it in the third movie. As for HB2's credits, there's nothing but awesome, awesome music.Indeed anyone who can put the Eels beautiful freak and Barry Mannilow in the same movie and work deserves some kind of medal.

[pariah-1972]

When do you guys think will see a Hellboy 3 if Guillermo is doing the Hobbit ?

[Jr. Wormwood]

I really wish I liked this movie more. It took the first film a long time to grow on me, once I got over the seperate universe thing, but I just don't know about this one yet...

What works for Hellboy are the subtleties, the quiet, the "what's in that shadow?", the deep lore that wisks you away to unknown places that still feel familiar somehow.

This movie is just in your face throughout. It could have been Indiana Jones in the lead, and it would have been the same film. I kept hoping this film would convey the spirit of the comic more so that I could finally convince my friends to read Mignola's work.

It just felt like another (albeit amazingly beautiful and fantastic, don't get me wrong!) fantasy movie in an ever more crowded fantasy genre. Did anyone see the preview for the film coming out of all the people stuck in that building? Looks to be a pretty unsettling horror type of flick. To me, this would work better for Hellboy's world. Or perhaps a blending of the two.

I'm a movie snob. I'm a music snob. And I'm a comic snob. Perhaps that's why Hellboy, BPRD, and The Goon are the only comics I find worth spending my 3 bones on.

I'm sure I will grow to love the movie in time. It happens a lot.


My favorite parts are definitely the humor and the character interactions. I laughed a lot, and I wasn't expecting to. The elemental was GORGEOUS! Incredible design, sets, and creatures. My only complaints are with the plot. There's just such a recipe for stories these days that is so predictable and expected. I just think Hellboy could be a much more psychological film. PG 13 ratings don't help for this kind of thing, however.


Even though the movie didn't change my world, I still got plenty of enjoyment out of it and I'm sure my non-HB reading friends will love it. Then again, they've never been too picky story wise, and just want to be rocked by a lot of action. It definitely delivers on this point!

All this being said, I know when the DVD is released, I will buy up every version just as I had with the first and watch it until I have the entire thing memorized. And though I didn't love the movie, I do love Hellboy, Mike, Guillermo, Ron, and the whole gang.

What can I say? I'm a Hellboy fan through and through.

[Juno Reactor]

Indeed anyone who can put the Eels beautiful freak and Barry Mannilow in the same movie and work deserves some kind of medal.
No, it's not "Beautiful Freak" I'm thinking of. That's the song that plays when Hellboy's in the shower. I'm thinking of the song that plays when they're going to the Brooklyn Bridge. Anyone know?

Better yet, maybe somebody can just list all the pop songs in the movie? :biggrin:

Oh, and HUGE thanks to SpydaWeb for sharing that deleted scene with us! Man, that scene sounds awesome.

[pariah-1972]

No, it's not "Beautiful Freak" I'm thinking of. That's the song that plays when Hellboy's in the shower. I'm thinking of the song that plays when they're going to the Brooklyn Bridge. Anyone know?

Better yet, maybe somebody can just list all the pop songs in the movie? :biggrin:

Oh, and HUGE thanks to SpydaWeb for sharing that deleted scene with us! Man, that scene sounds awesome.No no no i was just saying how moving it was that someone - anyone had resurrected that wonderful song and put it in such an appropriate movie.

[pariah-1972]

I really wish I liked this movie more. It took the first film a long time to grow on me, once I got over the seperate universe thing, but I just don't know about this one yet...

What works for Hellboy are the subtleties, the quiet, the "what's in that shadow?", the deep lore that wisks you away to unknown places that still feel familiar somehow.

This movie is just in your face throughout. It could have been Indiana Jones in the lead, and it would have been the same film. I kept hoping this film would convey the spirit of the comic more so that I could finally convince my friends to read Mignola's work.

It just felt like another (albeit amazingly beautiful and fantastic, don't get me wrong!) fantasy movie in an ever more crowded fantasy genre. Did anyone see the preview for the film coming out of all the people stuck in that building? Looks to be a pretty unsettling horror type of flick. To me, this would work better for Hellboy's world. Or perhaps a blending of the two.

I'm a movie snob. I'm a music snob. And I'm a comic snob. Perhaps that's why Hellboy, BPRD, and The Goon are the only comics I find worth spending my 3 bones on.

I'm sure I will grow to love the movie in time. It happens a lot.


My favorite parts are definitely the humor and the character interactions. I laughed a lot, and I wasn't expecting to. The elemental was GORGEOUS! Incredible design, sets, and creatures. My only complaints are with the plot. There's just such a recipe for stories these days that is so predictable and expected. I just think Hellboy could be a much more psychological film. PG 13 ratings don't help for this kind of thing, however.


Even though the movie didn't change my world, I still got plenty of enjoyment out of it and I'm sure my non-HB reading friends will love it. Then again, they've never been too picky story wise, and just want to be rocked by a lot of action. It definitely delivers on this point!

All this being said, I know when the DVD is released, I will buy up every version just as I had with the first and watch it until I have the entire thing memorized. And though I didn't love the movie, I do love Hellboy, Mike, Guillermo, Ron, and the whole gang.

What can I say? I'm a Hellboy fan through and through.It's funny cause i come from a backwards point of view getting into the comics from watching the movie.

[Juno Reactor]

When do you guys think will see a Hellboy 3 if Guillermo is doing the Hobbit ?
2013. The first Hobbit film is due out in 2011 and the second is due 2012. Guillermo said he'd be willing to do Hellboy 3 immediately after the two Hobbit films. Chances are he'll be working on the HB3 script while shooting the Hobbit films, so he'll hit the ground running.

Whatever happens, Guillermo is hell-bent on finishing the trilogy he worked so hard to get started. I just wonder if Universal will wait for him (which they should: HB3 "from the director of The Hobbit" sounds good), or if Guillermo and friends have yet another fight on their hands.

EDIT: Pariah -- Oh.

[pariah-1972]

2013. The first Hobbit film is due out in 2011 and the second is due 2012. Guillermo said he'd be willing to do Hellboy 3 immediately after the two Hobbit films. Chances are he'll be working on the HB3 script while shooting the Hobbit films, so he'll hit the ground running.

Whatever happens, Guillermo is hell-bent on finishing the trilogy he worked so hard to get started. I just wonder if Universal will wait for him (which they should: HB3 "from the director of The Hobbit" sounds good), or if Guillermo and friends have yet another fight on their hands.

EDIT: Pariah -- Oh.huh? what oh?