Cast: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Anna Walton, Luke Gross, Jeffrey Tambor; Director: Guillermo del Toro; Producers: Laurence Gordon, Mike Richardson, Lloyd Levin; Screenwriters: Guillermo del Toro, Mike Mignola; Music: Danny Elfman; Editor: Bernat Vilaplana; Genre: Fiction/ Action/ Adventure; Cinematography: Guillermo Navarro; Distributor: Universal Pictures; Location: USA; Running Time: 120 min.;Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 2.5
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above
The humans and other beings had their truce a long way back when they agreed to split into settlements in separate areas. But now, the moment has come when war is in the air. The human Prince Nuada (Luke Gross) in defiance of his king father is instigating a conflict between him and all the rest around their territory. Nuada’s goals are to find and put together the three pieces of a crown, which when completed would make him the new king of the original conglomeratation of humans and other living beings; at the same time the conflict will cause the awakening of hundreds of mechanical soldiers long stored idle, which would get him his goal. Unfortunately however, his twin sister Nuala (Anna Walton) is clearly against his decision. Unknown to Nuada however, there is Hellboy “Red” (Ron Perlman) a really incredible hulk, has Nuala’s crown piece in keeping, and ready to fight for her and the people.
Hellboy is an interestingly put together story filled with suspense and adventure. No doubt. Ron Perlman is very good at projecting his character; he looks real and convincing, as a capable and extraordinary hulk, is able to do what others can’t. His sometimes soft character is touching. The visual effects are well presented as scenes of old and ancient times in different shades of light and darkness are shown. The ensemble acting is also impressive as flashed on the screen. The use of CGI’s improve and enhance what are displayed and they appear more real. One possible drawback for some viewers would be the problem of identifying individual characters and where they belong. The overall value of the movie is the presentation of the good fighting against what is evil. Here is Hellboy and Princess Nuala (Anna Walton) leading the good against the evil ones led by Prince Nuada. There is Hellboy, with the assistance of a group of investigators and researchers helping and defending humans from evil power. There are evil spirits in the world. People can conquer the immortal enemy with the help of someone stronger than oneself. Hellboy plays the role of the savior and defender of human beings attacked by evil spirits.
Vulgar language is at a minimum, while violence is shown frequently as it is needed for a major part of the story. Because these scenes could cause frequent emotional stress for younger viewers, CINEMA recommends that only those 14 years old and above be allowed to watch Hellboy 2: The Golden Army.
