Hell to Pay

This is a good movie.

"Hellboy 2: The Golden Army" marks the maturity of the title main character who is now in a relationship with the woman he loves. He is currently living with her. He comes to terms with the fact that he has a temper that can't be controlled well.

He also has responsibility to the government who employs him. Some of which he doesn't take seriously. And everything seems to crumble around him when it comes to building his own life.

But there is one thing he's good at. It's fighting. He's tough, rough and won't take crap from anyone. And if so, he'll die trying to protect the ones he love. Mainly his adopted famly.

Ron Pearlman comes back for the second round as Hellboy, the big, lovable red guy who likes to smoke cigars, watch TV in his spare time and keeps cats as pets. Maybe too many cats.

The story might be tighter this time around. The pacing is impressive with remarkable scenes surrounding massive battles that comes straight out of the original source of comic books. It seems to move like an illustrated comic... filled with colors, crazy special effects that speak for themselves. This is an art film that nevertheless has a popular appeal to it. How can you not like the big red guy?

History repeats itself according to the story which paints a place filled with war and a rise of the golden army that is unstoppable, forecful, a living entity of mechincal creatures that plow through the opponets like a gardener doing the weeding. Nothing on earth could have enough power to put a halt to it. The King who had given persmission to build such a monstrous army realized the awfulness of the weapon... and decided to call a true with the humankind. And never use the crown which controls the golden army. That crown is seperated into three pieces. Only royal blood can truly control this army.

And so the power sleeps for many centuries. Until the price becomes restless, begging for power. He wants to bring the army into battle again to clailm the earth as his. And nothing would stop him, not his royal father or sister.

But there comes a small intervention: Hellboy. He makes sure the army stays dead and buried with a little help of his friends. The bureau of paranormal investigations.

The film is marvelous in its inventive creativity. It dreams up an entire landscape of stange creatures which are bizarre as they are beautiful. There are moments of light humor which helps carry on the film. A musical number of the song "I can't Smile without You" is a funny take as some of the main characters Hellboy and Abe voiced by Doug Jones does a great turn with the song. They sing along with it even when they are slightly drunk. You can't help feeling like you're part of this strange group of misfists.

I'm surprised to see John Hurt in the film despite the fact that his character was killed off in the first film. Yet he brings a warmth to the screen with his endearing performance which starts off the film with a flashback as he tells the legend of the Golden Army. Rather than doing a tired ressurection of the dead character as other film series has done, this time John Hurt remains simply in a flashback. He is brought back only in memory. And it is a warm thought, a tribute to him. And a nice introduction before the film gets serious with the epic battle of the golden army.

The character of Liz is shortchanged in this film with her having little to do with the more action oriented scenes. This might be due to the fact that she is pregnant and she is like many mothers who instinctly wish to protect her unborn child. The sadness in her eyes are real. She is a changed woman because of this. She tries to control her power of fire more here. However, it is Abe who has far more scenes here and his character is more developed. From his singing duet of the Barry Manilow song to falling in love with the princess who is carrying the third piece of the crown. I learn that he has no tear ducts and can't smile. That is a sad life to lead.

The princess is lovingly played by Emily Waton who briings much grace to the screen. Her alien beauty is suitable for someone like Abe. The notion of being an outsider comes into play with the story. it seems that he is willing to do anyting for her.

Hellboy seems to be having problems of his own.

If it's not monsters smoting the streets of New York City, then it is the infamous reputation he has in terms of the television spotlight. He would make a lousy guest on the David Letterman show. He feeds on success too much. And he is like a little boy getting lost in a very large playground.

Then there is the prophecy of his demon side growing more prominent according to the warrior prince. Hellboy is a demon soul fighting to get out of his human shell. He has been raised by human. He needs people to remind him of his own humanity, like Liz and Abe, people who admire him.

That future may be closer than ever now. And setting up for the next and possibly final film in a Hellboy triology. There's still plenty of life left in this film series that's going full tilt ahead. The conclusion of the series may be very well Hellboy's own battle from his inside his soul: finally wrestling with his demon side that's his own reflection that he's been hiding.

The film is about growing up. And Hellboy finally realizes that life is passing him by too quickly. He has his own adopted family to enjoy and looking forward to a son being born.
The only thing is that this film may only be on the number one spot for only week before another, more anticipated Batman: Dark Knight hits the screens. Then, surely, all hell will break loose.