It isn’t often that one can say a sequel is better than the original. I can think of a few only: The Godfather II, Shrek 2, Toy Story 2, and maybe Spiderman 2. It just doesn’t happen all too often. So when it comes to Hellboy, which is better? The first film really didn’t do much in the way of raising eyebrows, it was fun but forgettable. So the question is is Hellboy 2 better than the original…..
Yes, by a country mile. The story creates an entirely new mythology, that redefines the world in which Hellboy and the BPRD operate and live. The characters are more believable and really engrossing, each with their own ups and downs and unique arcs to climb and descend. Liz somehow still manages to feel a little stiff, but was much better this time around, not as brooding but still somehow confused by nearly everything.
This film abandons the comic book world and Del Toro creates a fantasy landscape on which to paint his newest masterpiece. There are elves, trolls, and beautiful eccentric, asymmetrical creatures abound throughout the running time of the feature, some are surely scraps from Pan’s Labyrinth, but enjoyable none the less. The villain was also top class, genuinely threatening, bu his motivation was somehow unclear to me. Great acting all around though, I thought it was a nice touch having Seth McFarlane to do Dr. Krauss, made me chuckle a bit just thinking about it.
This film was enjoyable from start to finish, and although there were no real high points in the movie, this did not create any real low points. Consistently enjoyable. Check this one out, even if you missed the original.
Popularity: 38% [?]
Leave a Reply