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Quint gets a little red on 'im! Hellboy II reviewed!
Ahoy, squirts! Quint here with some brief thoughts on Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
I say brief because I just got back from the AICN/Alamo American Teen screening (which was a blast, all the kids being very personable and chatty with an audience that seemed to have an endless supply of questions) and I’m due at the early, early morning brunch with those guys tomorrow before a big 1 on 5 interview. I have to be bright eyed and bushy-tailed if I plan on wooing Ms. Bailey.
So, that gives me about 6 hours of sleep if I can knock out this review in 20-30 minutes. Let’s get to it.
Of course I’m predisposed to love Guillermo Del Toro’s work. Ever since I was a teenager and I saw Cronos for the first time I knew this guy was the real deal and I’ve loved everything he’s put out since, even MIMIC.
But I am a little curious as to some of the buzz going around about how this HELLBOY leaves the first in the dust and how much better it is, more visionary, etc. I agree completely that the world is bigger and taking HB out of the Lovecraftian horror element and putting him smack dab into a fairy tale does separate the film stylistically from the first, but it’s not a sequel that makes you forget the original, for good or ill (good in my case, I dug the original).
Granted, there is a complete focus on the creatures this time out, now human character to be our “eyes.” Del Toro has confidence enough to let us experience this movie through Hellboy, Abe Sapien and Liz Sherman.
But the humor, the make-up, the over-all feeling is very much in sync with the first film, just as Mignola’s character is in sync within different styles in the comic book.
The film opens up with Professor Broom reading to a young Hellboy, telling him the story of The Golden Army. It was great seeing John Hurt back and the make-up on adolescent Hellboy was hilarious. It all led to a great VFX sequence of the background story, but told with digital puppets, like a bunraku theater experience.
One thing that I think makes this film stand out a little bit was the amount of screen time given to Abe Sapien, an incredibly smart move. He’s one of the most interesting characters in the film, both visually and emotionally, especially now that they give him a crush in the form of Anna Walton’s Princess Nuala.
And Doug Jones deserves a specific shout-out here. He not only voices Abe to perfection, but he really knocks the body language out of the park, getting the chance to play drunk as Abe (in probably my favorite scene of the movie) as well as inhabit other creatures such as the awesomely designed Angel of Death. It's really his full work as Abe, though, that deserves the credit. He really is that character now, through and through.
We also get to see more of Hellboy and Liz’s relationship, which has moved on to the next stage where there are constant fights and make-ups. Ron Perlman really makes you feel his love for Liz and the way the two Guillermos (Del Toro and Navarro) film her, you fall in love with her, too… I don’t know if Selma Blair has ever been sexier while not showing off any R-rated or higher body parts.
Our heroes are flawed and so are our villains. You find Hellboy torn between protecting a world that is scared of him and taking his place in a world where he belongs. He’s not a 100% sure which way he’s ultimately going to lean. Then you have Prince Nuada (played by Luke Goss, Nomak himself) who is damn close to executing a plan that will wipe out the human race, who he believes to be greedy and thoughtless animals. But he has good reason to believe that, having been a warrior in the ancient battle in which humans slaughtered many of his people.
He is a noble being, though, believing he is defending the fantastic world in the same way Hellboy is defending the human world that we know.
Lots of grey in this movie, which I love. When characters aren’t black and white it’s not as easy to guess where they’re going, which decisions they’re going to make. In short, that keeps the film interesting.
Not that it needed much help. Visually, Del Toro paints us a beautiful canvas of fairy tale creations. There are hundreds of creatures that you can believe came out of the mind (or creative team) behind The Pale Man and El Fauno. I particularly loved the crazier creatures, like the dude with a cathedral for a head (I’m not kidding).
And Del Toro forced the use of as many animatronics as he could and they show. I love practical effects work and Spectral Motion was in top form here, creating not only characters memorable in design, but also in personality.
Johann Krauss (in suit) specifically. And I love that Seth MacFarlane voiced him. I had no idea until I saw the credits. Del Toro was asked about that during the Q&A and he stuck up for Family Guy, which made me happy. I catch so much shit for liking that show that it’s good to hear some support.
Anyway, the flick’s out today. It’s a fun film, an emotional film and a film that expands upon, but retains the overall feel of, the original.
I have interviews with Mike Mignola, Doug Jones and Guillermo coming to you today and this weekend. Keep an eye out for those!
-Quint
quint@aintitcool.com
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+ Expand All
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look forward to it. hope it doesn't disappoint with all the hype
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Soon!
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Can't wait to see it, myself. I'm looking forward to your interview with Del Toro too.
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I love it when there isn't some lame ass typing FIRST! You look goddamn ridiculous when you aren't.
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...and I will never do it.
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..as everyone says it is, well then..wow, what a summer for Superheroes. I remember after the success of Batman in 89, studios rushed to greenlight all comic book properties they could get there hands on. There was the Punisher, The Rocketeer, The Shadow, The Phantom, Captain America. And they all failed. It wasn't until Blade, where comic book adaptations showed some life again. The Crowe also rocked. But now this summer alone, with the great Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Hellboy, and then The Dark Knight...Holy shit! I shit on Spiderman by the way. The second one was the only decent one.
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I'm glad you liked it, I guess I might be seeing this tomorrow.. errr today.
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but this may be mcfarlane's best voice work to date
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... and for TDK like the plague. Glad to hear Guillermo kick this one out of the park. Always loved his movies, and I really hope this movie earns a bunch of moolah so we get Lobster Johnson on the screen. Maybe it also gives a push to some other projects GTD is working on (Mountains pleeeeeeeeese).
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AT IMAX.
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Is probably my favorite director in the game. I'm just feeling his work these days 100%. Wow. This movie is so much fun and I hope to goodness that it does well this weekend and people go out and support quality big movie film making like this. HB2 was touching, funny, action packed... I just had a permanent smile on my face for basically the entire movie. I could barely sit in my seat I was having so much fun. I love Hellboy and Hellboy II is a great sequel that takes everything up a notch from the acting, directing, effects, story, humor, emotion, etc. Everything. I literally cannot wait for a third movie. The groundwork is beautifully set up in this one and I have full confidence del Toro can even go higher with this franchise. Wow. I have no doubts now that The Hobbit movies will rock. It starts with love man. It really does. And del Toro is a guy who loves what he does. And it shows on the screen. Like Peter Jackson with the Rings trilogy or Ang Lee with Crouching Tiger or Tarantino with the Kill Bill movies for example (and there are many others)- you see the love the filmmaker has for the project in every frame. It burst through the screen and it hits us the viewer and becomes infectious. And we fall in love with the picture. OK, it's 4:20 and I have work in the morning. Go out and enjoy Hellboy II. You won't be disappointed. The Dark Knight had better bring it next week because Hellboy II is the goods. Peace out.
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Im gonna have to. 6 weeks till it comes out in the UK.
What happened to worldwide releases to prevent fraud? -
Damn You Michael Bay
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I keep coming back until someone REMEMBERS seeing Richie!
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the first Hellboy was shit. If there are any squid monsters in this, i'll walk out. Worst monsters i have ever seen on film. The story was a complete fucking mess as well. It has to be better than that pile of steaming shite.
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The first few season of the simpsons are great but family guy took the family formula and made a funnier show. The main issue is that they types of jokes family guy relies on, either people get it or they don't And it seems as if alot of the jokes and scenarios fly over peoples head's so they think that the joke is pointless. Case in point, I died laughing when they parodied 'My Fair Lady' And to my dismay almost no one around me have even heard of the movie.
I am glad to hear hellboy was a success. Truth be told I was going to see the movie anyways. -
and your not alone on love for family guy ......
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But I still like family guy. Robot Chicken > Family Guy also. Just my opinion.
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We SO needed a Family Guy debate to break out in a Hellboy II thread.
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A lot of fun from beginning to end. Stan Winston would've shit himself if he had gotten to see some of the final character designs (if he didn't). Krauss is the Robbie the Robot for a new generation. Just awesome.
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Your an idiot. Go kill yourself and do the world a favor.
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Is it just me but don't movies shot in HD look cheezy & sitcom-y, I believe they don't engage the viewer like film. Indy 4 looked terrible. During the whole Indy movie I was depressed to see Spielberg abandon film. HD video just doesn't have the same impact as the organic process of film. You don't watch HD movies, they happen to you. I just don't care to see movies shot in that format. I'm praying Chris Nolan shot DK with film.
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Considering this site is viewed by film geeks and cinephiles, how come no one debates the merits of film vs. video?
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It's actually HOW people shoot HD that is up for discussion. I agree that I hate the sometimes video-looking HD images, which Michael Mann LOVED in "Miami Vice" and the Tom Cruise movie. I thought "One Upon A Time in Mexico" looked great, except when the action got fast, it looked video. However, Red will truly revolutionize cinema, finally. It is 4x resolution of HD and actually has the warmth and feel of film. And in motion, it is beautiful. My two cents.
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Decent review as always, Quint... it would have been even better had I not had to hear once again how one of the AICN guys is cramming a review in between some meeting or event that any of us regular folks would die to be part of.
Seriously, have you ever seen a professional reviewer in a magazine or newpaper say "Ok, this review is short because I had to see 4 movies this weekend in between interviewing and meeting some big stars and filmmakers."
Harry is the biggest culprit of doing this, spending paragraphs talking about how exhausted he is from doing something that sounds pretty danged awesome and making it sound like we readers should be grateful that you guys even find time to do what is essentially your job.
This AICN habit of bragging/whining is one of the reasons I don't come here and read as often as I used to. AICN is probably 6'th down my list of movie websites I go to for entertainment information. I realize that this site schtick is the over giddy geekasm view od looking at film and that's cool, but the act is old and you guys need to remember that the bottom line is that you're providing information, and it's extremly tedious to have to read halfway down the page about your exploits before you get to the point of the review or news you're telling us about.
Yeah you can tell me that if I don't like it I can such frack off, but I think I'm doing you a favour is advising you to stop reminding us how hard you're working to bring us news when we all know that everything you're doing is a geek's dream. Good for you, now stop rubbing our faces in it. -
What on earth are you talking about? Crystal Skull was shot on film. Spielberg wouldn't even let it be digitally projected, so you even SAW it on film.
Where would you get the idea that Spielberg shot it on HD? From one of the myriad news stories with him speaking out against HD, declaring he would never switch? -
Jul 11, 2008 8:33:40 AM CDT
No question the Simpsons Suck and Venture Bros rules all
by stormwatcher
WHy? Because it can keep a narrative going through 25 minutes. Family guy is an alright show, Futurama was the best of the Fox shows though.
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FG had a couple of good seasons, and the Simpsons had many, but they are both pretty bad at this point
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You had no idea Seth MacFarlane voiced Krauss?? Apparently you don't read the website you write for.
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because aside from stewie and peter, you can always tell when he voices someone, there's a similarity to most of em. that isnt a knock against him, i love the show and all but just wondering is it some new voice or is it a "oh thats seth alright" type of thing? anyway the movie looks great, cant wait to go.
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No. If I didn't know it was him going in, I would've had no idea. His accent and tone are flawless.
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met Gary Coleman and Mohammed while eating nachos with Hellboy and wondering why Selma Blair always looks like she's two seconds away from falling asleep?
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There is no debate. Film is way better for quality. Although it is much more expensive and harder to handle by amateurs.
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If so, uhhhh, stop it.
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Get a better idea of what the scene will be like when they get into the editing room. Takes alot of the guess work out of film making. I think we are holding onto film for nostalgic reasons. Digital makes it easier to focus on the scene and the actors.
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IS THE BEST SHOW ON TV... THE REST IS FUCKING SHIT. YOU ALL KNOW IT.
I'M GOING TO GO JERK OFF NOW. -
And I think Seth MacFarlane is a really really really talented guy--not just as a writer, but as a voice actor too!
On the other hand, can't wait to see this movie--too bad I have to wait 'til october.. damn! -
Jul 11, 2008 11:22:30 AM CDT
"creating not only characters memorable in design, but also in p
by orionsangels
What CG usually fails at. Only in rare examples, like Gollum and the masterfully created JarJar...j/k hehe. But seriously, gollum and the T-REX from the original JP were great and memotable, but more recently CG characters are just unmemorable garbage. That's why I appreciate del toro's old skool approach. Use CG only for the little details.
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...and have a competent DP then you know exactly what your scene looks like even before you shoot it, and you know exactly what your film will look like when you get it from the lab. Digital requires less craftsmanship and know-how from the filmmakers, which is not always a good thing. And yes, it's the directors job to focus on the scene and the actors, you have your DP to worry about the composition, framing and lighting of a scene, of course under the directors guidance. Film or digital shouldn't make much difference to directors apart from the very last look of the material. And film has always provided a better and softer quality of the picture.
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but not as good as this... http://tinyurl.com/5o5o6z
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DARK KNGHT RULEZ!
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Is everything that the simpons have spent 2 decades trying to be.
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Pull your head out of your ass. The Simpsons has never tried to be what Family Guy is. Namely, a poorly animated, mean-spirited, hackneyed attempt at a humorous show aimed at thick-necked schmucks who aren't smart enough to know what "funny" is. Good day.
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I did some research and while Indy 4 is partly shot on film, 45 mins of the movie is digital composites and CG. The main characters are shot on film and put thru a digital intermediate technique and color balanced and tweaked and layered in with expanded backgrounds on the computer and transfered to film stock. This explains why I felt the film looked flat. I believe that this process negates the depth of field inherent in film. Also, I was under the assumption it was shot on digital because of this article which stated Indy 4 would be shot digitally.
http://indianajones.wikia.com/wiki/Indiana_Jones_4#Trivia!
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...than you can on film. You can go on longer without changing reels of film. Can't argue with that.
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The simpsons wants to be family guy? lol. Oh no simpsons has character, heart, and a real comedic style. Family guy relies on gross out humor, characters that you barely care about, and the infamous "cut to" that The Simpsons perfected before Family guy stole it and relied on it for every damn joke.
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worst.followup.movie.ever.
Please can some tell hollywood not to hire that fanciful Spaniard anymore? This was terrible!
No story, terrible creatures out of pan's, and a "love story" then they all quit the bureau. Garbage. I loved Hellboy, I HATE this craptacular piece of Bull (Toro) Sh.t! -
Film recreates a dream state in the mind which helps us remember films, digital does no such thing. Lastly,David Denby at the New Yorker said it best,
"there are wonders that only digital can do, but also explores what it lacks and what it can't recreate, like the rich, painterly bleed of color and shadow that exists in a film like Taxi Driver. His complaint that human flesh looks synthetic in digital film is answered by a digital technician: "You want pores, we'll give you pores." Denby concludes that, like it or not, digital will create a "radical break with the many ways of watching movies that have given us pleasure in the past." -
I remember all films just fine no matter how they are filmed. Thats the dumbest thing I've ever read.
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Honestly. "Family Guy"?
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Why do people insist upon comparing shows that have almost nothing in common except that they are all animated? Is there some reason why one cannot like the Simpsons, Family Guy, and South Park for what they each offer?
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"Film recreates a dream state in the mind which helps us remember films, digital does no such thing." What a bunch of horse shit. As I recall, he Star Wars prequels were filmed digitally, and I remember every last painful moment of them.
Thus, your analysis is shot to hell. -
Nothing he's posting makes any sense, and Hellboy wasn't shot on HD anyway.
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Hey nowthyself, "That film recreates a dream state in the mind"is a recognized theory of Celluloid going back to the 30's. Learn some history dumbass.
And, GregoryHarbin, I read the post that said Hellboy2 was shot on film. I asked a question and got an answer. And maybe this doesn't interest you because you're fukn dumbass, too!
I'm just tryin to elevate the conversation from talking about "The Family Guy."
In ten years "The Family Guy" will look and be so dated cuz no one's gonna give a fuck about the references. It's like, if you tried to watch the TV show Laugh-In, you'd blow your brains out cuz it's a product of it's time and the same goes for, "Family Guy." -
and family guy sucks.
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like i was trying to say before my cheap ass work providded laptop tried to add its own sentiment, the troll market is its own beast and reviewers who compare the two just dont get it
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rules them all, my friends...
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I'd eat pickled pork balls just to have a shot at her.
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eventually.
he rocks that hard in this movie. If you doubted his skill before he shows it in his 2 major characters in this film. This man acts with his entire body. Abe is enchanting. And he is more intriguing than with DHP as the voice. The Tecate scene is epic.
We all know Ron Pearlman can play the penultimate scorned lover, but he moves past the beast in this movie.
It is one of the best comic book movies, even action movies of all time.
The golden army fight is the most exhilarating thing ive seen in years. -
Glad Del Toro recognizes this.
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But McFarlane was great in this. He reminded me of one of the old ghosts from Disney's Haunted Mansion ride.
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George Washington is a masterpiece. A GODDAMN MASTERPIECE!
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That's all sorts of retarded. FG's alright, but you don't do a good job of defending it if you make such ridiculous exaggerations. That said, I loved Pan's, and these positive reviews of Hellboy 2 have me wanting to see the first Hellboy. And Cronos.
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This is not an emotional film. The script is so bad it sucks any emotion out of the "emotional scenes". Really one of the worst scripts I've ever sat through. Up there with Indy4
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See Cronos. Skip both Hellboys...1 is bad and 2 is worse
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no but you do see his busted gas mask in one of BPRD trophy cases in a hallway.
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The Hobbit might really suck now
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