Hellboy II: The Golden Army (3 Disc Special Edition)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #257 in DVD
- Brand: Universal
- Released on: 2008-11-11
- Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
- Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
- Formats: AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
- Original language: English
- Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish
- Dubbed in: French, Spanish
- Number of discs: 3
- Running time: 120 minutes
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The feverish Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a very busy sequel that might have looked unhinged in the hands of a less visionary director than Guillermo del Toro. Ron Perlman returns as Hellboy, aka "Red," the Dark Horse Comics demon-hero with roots in the mythical world but personal ties in the human realm. Still working, as he was in Hellboy, for a secret department of the federal government that deals (as in "Men In Black") with forces of the fantastic, Red and his colleagues take on a royal elf (Luke Goss) determined to smash a longtime truce between mankind and the forces of magic. Meanwhile, Red's relationship with girlfriend Liz (Selma Blair), who can burst into flames at will, is going through a rocky stage observed by Red's fishy friend Abe (Doug Jones), himself struck by love in this film. Del Toro brilliantly integrates the ordinary and extraordinary, diving into an extended scene set in a troll market barely hidden behind the façade of typical city streets. He also unleashes a forest monster that devastates an urban neighborhood, but then--interestingly--brings a luminous beauty to the same area as the creature (an "elemental") succumbs to a terrible death. Del Toro's art direction proves masterful, too, in a climactic battle set in a clockworks-like stronghold tucked away in rugged Irish landscape. But it's really the juxtaposition of visual marvels with not-so-unusual relationship issues that gives Hellboy II a certain jaunty appeal hard to find in other superhero movies. --Tom Keogh
Stills from Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Click for larger image)
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Customer Reviews
Great film
True to the story so far. My family and I really enjoyed this film. We all agreed that it was good to see that it had been carried on from the last one, which made the story line easy to follow, (even though it is not one of those films that is that hard to follow). The action was good for this type of film and it kept you entertained for the duration.
A half hell of a movie--the other half, you know, fire! Throw in some water!
"Hellboy: The Golden Army" is just amazing! Shoot! Hellboy himself is amazing, especially considering his DNA. The early scene in which his Earth father reads a bedtime story about the Golden Army: How it came to be and how it was put to "sleep" --is also amazing and sets up the premise for the story at Hand (er, no offense, Hellboy). Young Hellboy is so endearing with his broken horn--you know, boys have mishaps--so believing in all his father says, so, well, downright sweet (considering his DNA).
However, Hellboy grew up. His adult demeanor is cynical, macho. He works for a very secret branch of the FBI that houses--literally--"odd" creatures from the supernatural world. We get a glimpse of a few when the film turns to the time sequence for this story. We also learn that Liz (the fiery woman who can ignite at will) lives with her man, Red--Hellboy--and is miffed at his behavior as a domesticated male. Yet, remember that sweet side? Hellboy is totally in love with Liz.
The most delightful scene occurs when Red takes a six-pack to Abe Sapien's room (he's the Fish Man) who has also fallen in love. After Red convinces Abe to imbibe, they start singing with Barry Manilow (of all singers!) his saccharine song "I Can't Smile Without You."
Meanwhile, Lord Elfin wants to awaken the Golden Army and put them at his command. His goal is to declare war against humans because of the awful things they have done to the planet. Elves respect nature (remember Lord of the Ring?).
Of course, Lord Elf gets the third piece of the crown (or we wouldn't have a battle) and finally gets his army--the indestructible golden ones. Only the progeny of royalty can challenge the royal holder of this special crown. That's where Hellboy's DNA comes in. But I'll say no more.
Here are a few things so mysterious, so dazzling about this film:
1. Reminding the viewer of Hellboy's dual fathers
2. Setting up the current circumstances of Hellboy's life
3. Reminding the viewer of Hellboy's love story
4. Setting up the premise for the Golden Army
5. Dazzling special effects, both simple and boldly imaginative
6. The reminder of the beautiful and destructive sides of nature
7. The universal qualities of love
8. A vivid reminder that, in the end, good wins over evil.
9. Also, a suggestion that what seems evil may, in reality, have good intentions.
This film comes highly recommended. Director, actors, music, cinematography, editing--it's all perfect and every second bonds with the second before and after it!
Good Movie, Must see for Fans
This is not quite as good as the first movie, but any Hellboy fan needs to make the effort to see it.
| List Price: | $34.98 |
| Price: | $20.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details |
