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Hellboy II: A Super-Fun, Satisfying Sequel

BuzzSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:30:46 -0700

I was awed and amazed by Pan's Labyrinth, and I really liked the first Hellboy movie, but I can now say with certainty that I am officially in love with Guillermo del Toro's beautiful brain. Hellboy II: The Golden Army is like being cast back to a time when your young imagination had no boundaries and no inner editor. Del Toro's vibrant, exciting, sometimes nightmarish and often funny work of creative genius is a constant delight. At times it veers into cheesy superhero stuff, and viewers who don't like this kind of thing definitely won't be on board for this movie. But viewers who do like it - and those with a soft spot in their hearts for big Red - may be totally delighted.

When we catch up with our hero Hellboy, he and his lady love Liz (Selma Blair) and their good buddy Abe (Doug Jones) are still working for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, using their superpowers to help people out. But even so, the public gives them no respect, no respect at all. And now they have the problem of Prince Nuada (Luke Goss), a rebellious leader of the creature world who is determined to summon the Golden Army, a vast army of robot-like warriors, to destroy all humans. Hellboy, Abe and Liz are joined by the ectoplasmic Johann Strauss (voiced by Seth McFarlane), along with the leader's twin sister Princess Nuala (Anna Walton) to stop Prince Nuada's evil plan. Meanwhile, Hellboy and Liz are having issues, Hellboy is struggling with his job, and Abe develops a bit of a crush on Princess Nuala.

For more of my take on the movie, read more.

In addition to del Toro's awesome visual style, which is sometimes nostalgically reminiscent of older movies like The Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and Return of the Jedi, the story in this Hellboy sequel is great. It's simple, interesting enough, and easily wrapped up in less than two hours while also providing plenty of fodder for future sequels. But the real strength of the film lies in del Toro's artistic mastery combined with the motley gang of misfit creatures who lead us on this adventure. Of course, our beloved Hellboy, with all his macho posturing, sardonic wit and soft spot for cats, is at the heart of it all. But while his wry zingers sometimes smack of cheesy action hero lines previously reserved for the likes of Arnold Schwartzenegger, the character of Hellboy is more complex than that. He's insecure and struggles with his temper.

I think that's what I like most about these superheroes: they're quite flawed. They are incredibly emotional, fallible and misunderstood. And in an age-old lesson, they appear to be beasts but are actually helping to save the world. You won't find those toned, cocky Fantastic Four types here. There's a little more going on beneath the surface - not a ton, it's still a pretty light superhero flick, but enough to give us something to actually care about.

I'm not usually of the mind that a movie should have more and more sequels (see: the Spider-Man franchise, which should just stop), and in fact, I can't recall any time I've ever said I'd like to see a sequel to a movie as soon as possible. But if I had my way, I'd like del Toro to put out a new Hellboy installment every single year. I love what he's doing with this series, and I just can't wait to see what else comes out of that mind.

Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures

Link Time! 7/10

BuzzSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:35:37 -0700

Popwatch wonders: Which actors need to be rescued from their sub-par TV roles?
Cinematical tells us of a place to go if you're not so informed about comic books and don't want to be ridiculed for it.
TV Squad has put together an insanely comprehensive guide to reality TV.
E!'s Ben Lyons visited the set of the "bromantic comedy" I Love You, Man and chatted up Paul Rudd, Jason Segel and Jon Favreau, among others.
The TV Addict talks with Gabrielle Anwar about Burn Notice ahead of tonight's premiere.
Meanwhile, Vulture just keeps interviewing those Hellboy folks; today it's Ron Perlman's turn.
FilmExperience is none too pleased with the news that Elfquest will be adapted for the big screen.
Pop Candy brings word that Sub Pop Records is relaunching its singles club.

Photo courtesy of CBS

Monday Pick-Me-Up: These Funny Hellboy Videos

BuzzSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:32:39 -0700

If you're anything like me, you're back at work today after a long weekend of fun, trying to get back in the groove but needing a boost that even coffee can't bring. Luckily, I've found something to perk me up, and I have hopes it will work for you, too.

I've already admitted my love for Hellboy, the big, goofy red guy whose second movie hits theaters on Friday. Hellboy 2 has me psyched partially because of director Guillermo del Toro's awesome visual storytelling, but I also love how adorable and bumbling Hellboy himself (played by Ron Perlman) can be.

Well, some smart executive has also picked up on Hellboy's more endearing qualities, producing a series of videos with Hellboy playing video games with NBC's Chuck, being interviewed by Inside the Actor's Studio's James Lipton, and even doing a "The More You Know"-style public service announcement with a cat. They've already had me giggling at my desk all day. You can see a whole bunch over here, but if you just want to see my favorites, read more.

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Buzz News Roundup, 5/23

BuzzSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:30:57 -0700

ComingSoon has the newly announced NBC Fall premiere dates, which includes a two-hour season premiere of Heroes on Monday September 22.
Hellboy's Ron Perlman will star in the upcoming FX series Sons of Anarchy, writes Hollywood Reporter.
There's now a Bruce Lee Broadway musical in the works, Variety writes.
According to Billboard, Jonathan Demme is now directing the Bob Marley documentary, replacing Martin Scorsese.
Marvel Studios will adapt the series Runaways for the big screen, ComingSoon reports.
Beau Bridges has been cast in an untitled ABC comedy pilot, according to Zap2It.
Law & Order and Criminal Intent have been renewed for another season, Reuters reports.
Variety has news that Frank Langella will topline a Broadway production of A Man for All Seasons in the Fall.

Photo courtesy of NBC

First Look: Hellboy 2

BuzzSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:30:45 -0800

Yeah, I'll admit it: I loved the first Hellboy movie by Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro. I love the big red Hellboy (Ron Perlman) with his wry humor. I like Selma Blair in her role as Liz. And I love all the creepy, fantastical elements that the imaginative del Toro cooks up for his movies.

So naturally, I'm stoked to see a teaser trailer for Hellboy II: The Golden Army. The story goes like this: "The mythical world starts a rebellion against humanity in order to rule the Earth, so Hellboy and his team must save the world from the rebellious creatures." And as the movie's official site points out, "He may be red. He may be horned. He may be misunderstood. But when you need the job done right, it's time to call in Hellboy."

Hellboy II opens in theaters July 11. To check out the teaser trailer, read more.

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