Creative quotient

A sequel of the 2004 monster-superhero flick Hellboy, the second instalment is bigger, badder but not half as impressive as the original.

The movie starts with the introduction to who Hellboy (Ron Perlman) is and how he was discovered by the US government. They then went on to formulate the B.P.R.D (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defence) a secret agency that takes care of monstrous trouble on Earth. It seems a little too familiar.

The scene where Tom Manning, the Head of BPRD, walks with Abe (Doug Jones) in the BPRD HQ and the various agents are shown struggling to control several monsters looks straight out of ‘Men In Black’ (1997).

The story goes like, a truce between the humans and monsters is broken by the monster Prince Nuada (Luke Goss) and he plans to unleash an immortal Golden Army that would burn the human resistance to ashes. Hellboy is destined to intervene, while juggling his own personal devils and problems with his wife Liz (Selma Blair). Then there is also the ever meddling Johan Krauss (Seth MacFarlane) an ectoplasmic being who is supposed to curb Hellboy’s reckless behaviour.

Technical expertise

Hellboy II was made with an $85 million budget and it looks worth every single penny. The production values of the film are fantastic and the creature design as well as animation is as good as it comes. The action sequences, though not many, are worth a mention too.

Where the film does so much to look the part, it is disappointing that the film never takes itself seriously. There are too many slapstick references and failed jokes in the film to spoil the viewers’ mood. It is one thing to accept cheesy elements in a comic inspired film and another to accept it being brainless. For its two-hour runtime the film makes several attempts to be funny, but the only time it succeeds is when Hellboy calls Krauss a “gas-bag”.

The direction and cinematography are good, but the use of soundtrack material is appalling. The writer packs in too much romance in a super hero film. It just takes away from the dark theme of the film. Acting by most of the cast is up to the mark.

Ratings

One star for the superb CGI and animation, another star for the action sequences and for that one funny scene with Krauss and Hellboy.

Plot

Hellboy must defeat the Golden Army and bring peace to humanity.

Verdict

Got the brawn but no brains.

Box-office

It could gross well if the people warm up to it.

Producers

Lawrence Gordon , Lloyd Levin, Mike Richardson, Joe Roth

Director

Guillermo Del Toro

Story

Guillermo Del Toro, Mike Mignola

Cast