Synopsis:
Ron Perlman returns to the role of the big red BPRD agent in this sequel to 2004's Hellboy, directed once again by Guillermo del Toro and scripted as before in collaboration with original Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. For centuries, an ancient truce has kept the naïve citizens of the human race safe from the horrors of the invisible realm -- but that's all about to change, and fast. A ruthless leader has emerged in the invisible realm, a tyrant just as comfortable walking the surface realm as he is living in the land of fantasy. When this power-mad ruler defies his bloodline to assemble an unstoppable army of fantastical creatures that he will use to wage a supernatural war on humanity, it begins to appear that humankind's days are numbered. But Hellboy (Perlman) isn't about to stand idly by as the planet is purged by a demonic despot, and with a little help from his team at the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, he may just be able to send our otherworldly overlords packing. Of course, Hellboy's pyrokinetic girlfriend, Liz (Selma Blair), is always willing to conjure up an inferno or two when things get desperate, aquatic Abe (Doug Jones) is prepared to dive headlong into any battle, and protoplasmic mystic Johann (voice of Thomas Kretschmann) proves an invaluable companion in times of inter-dimensional conflict. Now, as the creatures who inhabit the spiritual realm gear up for an all-out attack on the human plane, the only one capable of saving the Earth is a tough-talking hellspawn rejected by both worlds. - Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
CMC Review: By Adam Lasik
Where to start with a Christian-perspective review of a film called "Hellboy?"
Clearly, Hellboy II: The Golden Army is not intended as a family film.
It is crass, violent, brutish, and focuses intently on the selfish, hedonistic tendencies of the title character, who happens to be a large red demon from Hell who was adopted as a "child" and raised by an American scientist. Hellboy is a member of a secret government organization that protects the country and the world from mostly non-human beings bent on our destruction.
To his credit, Ron Perlman plays the main character quite well. Buried in makeup and various cosmetic appliances, he manages to be fairly expressive and, at least as far as the willing suspension of disbelief will allow, convincing. His sidekick, Abe, is also ably performed by Doug Jones, but is not quite as expressive or as convincing.
The remaining acting performances, including Selma Blair's role as Hellboy's fiery love interest, Liz, are somewhat mediocre, as is the storyline itself.
Hellboy II is fairly entertaining, but falls short in several of the CMC primary rating categories. The language is not awful, but there are several instances of taking the Lord's name in vain, and several other words and phrases that, taken on their own are relatively mild, but together make for a disappointing component of the film.
In terms of sexual content, there is not much to be concerned about. Hellboy and Liz live together, but they do not appear to be married. Furthermore, it is clear, and a part of the plot itself, that the two have had sexual relations. At one point, Liz is seen briefly in what appears to be underwear and a t-shirt.
The violence is rather pronounced. Much of the instances of violence in the movie are masked by quick look-aways and sound effects, but not all. There is some blood and a lot of gratuitous violent acts.
One of the more well-publicized segments of the film is a scene in which Hellboy and Abe sing along to a Barry Manilow song. It is, indeed, as painful as it sounds. What is a bit less well-publicized is that the two are consuming mass quantities of beer in the intentional effort to get drunk. They then spend the next several minutes stumbling around and slurring words as they have a grand time being intoxicated. Hellboy also has an affinity for cigars. There are no "hard" drugs to speak of, but the glorification of alcohol and tobacco significantly impact the CMC Drugs and Alcohol score.
It should be readily apparent that Hellboy II does not present a particularly Christian worldview. That's not to say that Christian influences are absent. Hellboy carries around with him a rosary featuring a Cross at all times, and is presented as Catholic in the original comic book series. This is not so apparent in the film outside the rosary beads, though. Of course, the central plot of the Hellboy franchise tends to revolve around the battle between good and evil, both in the world and within the main character himself.
While discussing worldview, it is important to note the central theme of the conflict featured throughout Hellboy II: The Golden Army. The Elven Prince Nuada has resolved to revive an invincible army of mechanical soldiers to destroy humanity, with whom the Elves have been at peace for many human generations. Why does he want to violate the peace accord between the two races? Because the humans have destroyed the Earth, consumed its natural resources, and built cities upon its former wilderness.
Well, at least Nuada is the bad guy in this scenario...
In short, Hellboy II is entertaining, if you like that sort of thing, in a fairly superficial manner. However, several factors make it essentially impossible to recommend as something for the kids.
Overall CMC Rating: 59/100
- Entertainment Value: 18/25
- Violence: 6/15
- Language: 8/20
- Sexual Content: 17/20
- Drugs and Alcohol: 4/10
- Worldview/Message: 6/10
- Jesus Alert
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