Review: Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

A Visually Stunning Sequel with Heart and Humor

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008), directed by Guillermo del Toro, is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2004 cult hit Hellboy. Featuring a return to the world of supernatural creatures, secret government agencies, and the charismatic half-demon protagonist, The Golden Army expands upon the rich mythos introduced in the first film. Del Toro, known for his mastery of fantastical imagery, once again delivers a visually striking movie that balances action, humor, and heartfelt moments. This sequel not only elevates the action sequences but also dives deeper into the emotional layers of the characters.

Plot Overview

The story of Hellboy II: The Golden Army picks up with Hellboy (Ron Perlman), the red-skinned, cigar-smoking demon working for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.), continuing to fight supernatural threats. In this sequel, Hellboy faces a new enemy in the form of Prince Nuada (Luke Goss), an elven prince who seeks to awaken the Golden Army—an ancient army of indestructible mechanical soldiers. Nuada’s goal is to reclaim the throne of the magical world, which was relinquished by his father to humans centuries ago.

Hellboy, along with his team—Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), his pyrokinetic girlfriend, and Abe Sapien (Doug Jones), the fish-like intellectual—must stop Nuada and prevent the Golden Army from wreaking havoc on the human world. As Hellboy struggles with his identity as a demon and his role in the human world, he also faces challenges in his personal life, especially with Liz, who is dealing with her own inner turmoil.

The film blends epic action with intimate character moments as Hellboy confronts both external threats and internal struggles, including his relationship with Liz and the revelation of his true destiny.

The Good: Visual Mastery, Engaging Characters, and Humor

1. Guillermo del Toro’s Direction and Visuals
Del Toro’s vision for Hellboy II: The Golden Army is nothing short of spectacular. The film features breathtaking practical effects, fantastical creatures, and imaginative world-building that immerse the viewer in a fully realized supernatural universe. The design of the Golden Army itself, with its glowing mechanical soldiers, is a standout, as is the intricate set design of the underworld and magical realms.

The film’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by European folklore and mythology, creating a rich tapestry of creatures and settings that feel both ancient and futuristic. The creature design is especially notable, with memorable characters like the tooth fairies and the elemental—a giant forest spirit that embodies nature itself. These creatures are brought to life with a combination of practical effects and CGI, seamlessly blending the two to create a visually unique experience.

Del Toro’s ability to balance practical effects with CGI results in a visually enchanting film, where every frame feels carefully crafted. From the fantastical design of the troll market to the haunting beauty of the final showdown, Hellboy II is a visual feast that remains engaging throughout its runtime.

2. Strong Performances, Particularly Ron Perlman
Ron Perlman’s portrayal of Hellboy is once again a major highlight of the film. Perlman effortlessly brings the character to life with his signature blend of gruffness, vulnerability, and charm. Hellboy’s internal struggle with his identity as a demon who works to protect humans is central to the narrative, and Perlman’s performance effectively conveys the emotional depth of the character. Whether it’s Hellboy’s humorous one-liners or his more introspective moments, Perlman brings a unique and beloved energy to the role.

Selma Blair also shines as Liz Sherman, bringing a quieter intensity to her character’s emotional journey. Liz struggles with her abilities as a pyrokinetic, especially when she begins to question her role in Hellboy’s life and whether their love can overcome the challenges they face. The dynamic between Hellboy and Liz is both heartwarming and fraught with tension, providing a strong emotional anchor for the film.

Doug Jones, who portrays Abe Sapien, continues to be a standout in his role as the intelligent and sensitive amphibian. Abe’s subplot about falling in love with a princess (Anna Walton’s Nuala) adds a layer of romance and tenderness to the otherwise action-packed film, further deepening the emotional stakes.

3. Humor and Heart
One of the strengths of Hellboy II is its ability to balance humor with darker, more serious moments. The film never loses its sense of fun, even when dealing with weightier themes like destiny, love, and self-identity. Hellboy’s sarcastic wit, combined with his childlike enthusiasm for fighting monsters and saving the day, provides plenty of comic relief.

The relationship between Hellboy and Liz is another source of both humor and emotional depth. While their banter often lightens the mood, there are moments where their struggles are genuinely poignant. Hellboy’s efforts to understand his place in the world and how his supernatural nature impacts his relationship with Liz bring a sense of authenticity and vulnerability to the characters.

The Weaknesses: Villain Motivation and Pacing Issues

1. Prince Nuada’s Motivations
While Luke Goss’s performance as Prince Nuada is compelling, his motivations can feel a bit thin at times. The character is portrayed as a classic villain—power-hungry, ruthless, and determined to reclaim what he believes is his birthright. However, his motivations are somewhat underdeveloped, making him feel less compelling as an antagonist.

Nuada’s desire to awaken the Golden Army is largely driven by his desire to return his people to power, but his methods—destroying humans and creating chaos—feel a bit one-dimensional. The film spends more time developing the emotional arcs of Hellboy and his team than fleshing out Nuada’s character, leaving him as more of a plot device than a fully realized villain. While Goss plays the role with intensity, the lack of a more nuanced backstory for Nuada may leave some viewers feeling less invested in his quest for vengeance.

2. Pacing Issues in the Middle Act
While Hellboy II is visually stunning and features many exciting action sequences, the pacing can feel uneven at times. The middle portion of the film, particularly when Hellboy and his team are investigating the troll market and searching for clues about the Golden Army, can feel drawn out. The action sequences are balanced with quieter moments of character development, but there is a sense that the plot slows down in places, which may lead some viewers to lose focus.

While these moments are necessary for building the emotional arcs of the characters, they occasionally disrupt the film’s momentum. Some of the more fantastical elements, such as the troll market and the elemental, while visually stunning, can feel like distractions from the central conflict.

Themes and Messages

At its core, Hellboy II: The Golden Army explores themes of identity, destiny, and the battle between good and evil. Hellboy’s struggle with his dual nature—half-demon, half-human—remains a central theme. His desire to live a normal life, despite his origins, is complicated by his sense of duty to protect humans from supernatural threats. The film emphasizes that being different doesn’t mean you can’t be a hero, and that the definition of “family” extends beyond biological ties.

The relationship between Hellboy and Liz is also central to the film’s emotional core. Liz’s internal conflict about whether she can accept Hellboy for who he is, and whether their love can withstand the pressures of their supernatural world, mirrors the film’s broader message of acceptance and self-discovery.

Standout Moments

• The Elemental Sequence
  One of the most memorable moments in Hellboy II is the sequence featuring the Elemental, a massive forest spirit who takes on a life of its own. The battle between Hellboy and the Elemental is not only visually spectacular but also deeply symbolic, representing the destructive power of nature and Hellboy’s role in protecting the world.
• The Final Battle with the Golden Army
  The climactic battle against the Golden Army is thrilling, featuring intricate choreography and impressive special effects. The mechanical soldiers, with their glowing eyes and indestructible nature, provide a formidable challenge for Hellboy and his team. This sequence is not only visually exciting but also serves as a metaphor for Hellboy’s ongoing struggle to find balance between his two worlds.

Final Thoughts

Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant sequel that expands the world of Hellboy in imaginative ways. Guillermo del Toro’s direction brings a sense of wonder and magic to the screen, while the strong performances, particularly from Ron Perlman and Selma Blair, anchor the film’s emotional core. Despite some pacing issues and a somewhat underdeveloped villain, the film remains a worthy continuation of Hellboy’s story, blending humor, heart, and high-stakes action in a way that few superhero films manage to do.

Rating: 8/10

A visually captivating sequel with strong performances and an emotionally engaging story, Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a worthy follow-up to the original that leaves fans eagerly awaiting more from this unique universe.