I was a big fan of the original Hellboy, and considered it a shame that it never quite got the success and attention it deserved. So, I was very happy to hear that a sequel was finally in the works - at a different studio no less (the original was a Sony film, with this sequel from Universal). In between the first Hellboy and this sequel, director Guillermo del Toro found huge success with Pan’s Labyrinth (a film I kinda liked, but didn’t think was all too great). So as I saw the first trailers for Hellboy 2, I definitely noticed some design influence from Pan’s Labyrinth. Of course, since making this movie, del Toro has made a bigger name for himself as the director of the upcoming Hobbit films. After having seen Hellboy 2, I must admit to not liking it as much as the first. Almost all the elements were entertaining enough, but not quite up to the level from the first film. The only exception I’d make to that statement is the visual effects, which were a bit hit-or-miss in the first, but gorgeous in this sequel.

Writing: The story for this sequel kinda holds together, but it’s a bit unfocused and forced. Worse still, much of it is a bit too genre standard in nature. It all just seems to be there to bounce from set piece to set piece. The character interactions are either a bit too contradictory, or a bit too convenient. And the ultimate big moment of the ending is a bit too obvious. And we also have characters that make little sense to have included in the plot, like that of Johann Krauss. For all his setup as a nemesis, they never pay that off in any real way, then suddenly he’s a good buddy? I don’t know, the writing in this one wasn’t horrible or anything, but it was very definitely the weakest point of the film.

Production: There’s little to complain about here. If there’s any weakness in the production, it’s almost a feeling of them trying just a bit too hard in sequences where less would have been more. It had that “sequel that must top the original” feel to it. Fewer action scenes and more character scenes would have been welcome. But the action is well staged with good practical and visual effects work. Cinematography is solid all around, with no real weaknesses to mention. Were I to have directed the Hellboy films, though, it would have been in 2.35 aspect ratio. But hey, if I were a director, I think everything I shot would be in 2.35.

Cast: The best strength of this sequel is the return of the great cast. Well, with the exception of the insanely lame off-handed mention of Rupert Evans’ character of Agent Myers absense. Ron Perlman is fantastic as Hellboy, of course. He’s not quite as playful as in the first, taking the role in a more aggressive direction, but he still works magnificently. Selma Blair, a favorite actress of mine, is excellent returning as Liz Sherman. Doug Jones makes an excellent return as Abe Sapien. And Jeffrey Tambor does his usual (and always fun) bumbling performance. Heck, even the great John Hurt gets to put in a small appearance in a flashback. Joining them in this sequel are Luke Goss and Anna Walton, who are very well cast as the brother-sister set of twins that are the new friend/foe quandry for the plot. All in all, not a problem to be found in the casting department.

Music: I was most saddened to find out that composer Marco Beltrami wasn’t returning for this sequel. Danny Elfman took over scoring duties for this one. His score is just like the movie itself, entertaining enough, but not up to the standards of the first film. It’s a playful and energetic score, with some nice moments here and there, but it’s missing the heart and soul of Beltrami’s original masterpiece. I flat out love Beltrami’s original, particularly Hellboy & Liz’s theme, and it was a sad thing that not only weren’t any of the original themes used, but there weren’t any particularly solid thematic elements to Elfman’s sequel score. His is certainly entertaining, but not a masterpiece.

So it’s a bit sad that I didn’t enjoy this entry quite as much. Am I sad they made it? No. It’s a fun enough follow-up. Do I wish it were better? Absolutely. Though after such a horrible super-hero movie as Hancock, I was happy to enjoy this one. But hey, in two more days, I’ll be seeing The Dark Knight - a genre movie which by almost all accounts so far is spectacular.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 at 10:43 pm and is filed under Movie Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.