Movie sequels are tricky. Some are spot-on and perfect. The 2nd story works without the need to see the other film in the series. On the other hand, some sequels are completely inclusive and worthless. Unless you've invested time watching the other film(s), it's a struggle to keep up with what's going on and who's who. Hellboy II: The Golden Army falls with spot-on stand alone sequel films. The added background and storytelling style of the comic book series (created by Mike Mignola) make an easy to follow story. Both fans of the long-running comic as well as new Hellboy moviegoers will be pleased.
The film opens with a flashback of a Christmas in Hellboy's childhood where we meet his father figure and, while waiting for Santa Claus, Hellboy hears a bedtime story about elves, trolls and humans struggling for control of Earth. The adolescent Hellboy is rapt with joy while listening to the tale. He questions whether or not the story was real and is left to ponder what he thinks and he is sent to bed so Santa can visit.
Flash forward to recent times, and we meet the other characters in the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Development (B.P.R.D.) Ape Sapien (Doug Jones), an aquatic being who is visually reminiscent of the Creature From the Black Lagoon, is the troupe's brain. Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), is Hellboy's girlfriend who can conjure and control copious amounts of fire, especially when she's angry. Tom Manning (Jeffrey Tambor), an agent appointed by the government, is the sensible human of the group. His job is to watch over the top secret B.P.R.D. and ensure that they remain a secret. This proves to be a tough job, especially when dealing with Hellboy's attitude. Though not as brazen, and far more introspective as the first Hellboy film, the stubborn son of Satan is just as tough in Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
Hellboy (Ron Perlman) struggles with the secrecy forced upon the group of abnormal beings and wishes to be embraced by "normal" people, which gets him into trouble a few times. His reckless behavior forces Tom Manning to buy off YouTube videos and pay people for pictures of Hellboy in public places among other things. Aside from Manning's constant reminding that secrecy is the B.P.R.D.'s top priority, Hellboy is also dealing with Liz, who is upset with him for reasons that she will not divulge. After a catastrophic accident in downtown New York, the B.P.R.D are called in to investigate and are sent on a wild chase after finding a group of fairies lingering at the scene. The group's search for answers to the strange appearance of the tiny creatures lead them to encounters with several beautifully CGI'd beasts. From elves and gods to imps and trolls, the CGI and special effects for the film are very well done, as one would expect from Guillermo del Toro's past creations.
A few crucial decisions could destroy all of humanity and the world's fate is in the hands of an ill-tempered demon. The never-ending question the audience faces is: Can the planet survive? Filled with funny one-liners, tough-guy action and intertwined love stories, this film is an extremely enjoyable ride down to the last frame; an excellent summer treat, with a small hint at a possible 3rd Hellboy film.
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