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'Hellboy II' entertaining
By: Keith Cohen, The Movie Guy
HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY
3 stars Rated PG-13
The weekly summer merry-go-round of superheroes continues with the return of the demon spawn nicknamed “Big Red.”
Hipster fanboys will be attracted like moths to a flame to this follow-up to the 2004 film based on Mike Mignola’s comic book series.
Ron Perlman (“Beauty and the Beast”) is back in the lead role as the tough, cigar-smoking protector of mankind with a soft spot for cats. He is joined by his incendiary girlfriend Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) and fish-out-of-water sidekick Abe Sapien (Doug Jones) as fellow agents of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD). Their supervisor is Tom Manning (bald-headed Jeffrey Tambor from “Arrested Development” and “The Larry Sanders Show”) who has a bigger role and provides comic relief.
The newest addition to the team is Johann Krauss (voiced by Seth MacFarlane), an intimidating German ectoplasmic spirit housed in a very special containment suit.
A 1955 Christmas Eve bedtime story serves as a preamble to what follows over a half century later. Prince Nuada (Luke Goss), a martial arts master, comes out of exile after thousands of years. He wants to end the truce between the trolls of the forest and the human race.
In order to resurrect the ruthless and invincible golden mechanical army, this evil warlord must reassemble the magical crown. There are three distinct pieces. The first piece is up for bids at a NYC auction house. The other two pieces are in the possession of his father, the Troll King, and his twin sister, Princess Nuala (intoxicating beauty Anna Walton).
Mexican writer-director Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”) totally immerses you into this fantasy realm inhabited by the most imaginative and unusual creatures. The variety of never-before-seen other worldly beings hits a high note during a sequence in the Troll Market.
The movie’s strongest asset is Hellboy, who views himself as an ugly freak of nature similar to the Frankenstein monster. Once you get by the outward appearance and spend time with this unique individual, you find yourself enjoying his company. He has a delightful personality that is punctuated by his humorous wisecracking remarks.
His ongoing domestic dispute with Liz and their love for one another trumps the action. The signature moment occurs when Hellboy and Abe, both love struck and inebriated from beer, sing a duet of Barry Manilow’s “I Can’t Smile Without You.”
The movie will remind you of “Ghostbusters” and “Men in Black.” The production design, art direction, special effects, makeup and costumes are all top drawer. These various facets make this a visually sumptuous treat.
Oscar-winning composer Danny Elfman (“Wanted,” “Good Will Hunting,” ”Men in Black” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) provides a rich tapestry with an original musical score.
After a promising setup, the story loses its fizz and the ultimate showdown is disappointing. This second installment bridges the gap to the concluding chapter of the trilogy being contemplated by del Toro, whose next project is the highly anticipated “Hobbit.”
If you’re seeking an escape from the scorching July heat, this entertaining joy ride is worth taking.
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH
3 stars Rated PG
This thrilling and exciting science-fiction adventure provides an adrenaline rush with eye candy delights. It’s a modern update of the classic 1864 novel by Jules Verne. After seeing this movie, kids will want to add this book to their summer reading list.
Pat Boone, James Mason and Diane Baker starred in the Oscar-nominated 1959 film with the same title.
Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser from “The Mummy” films) is a science professor whose specialty is predicting volcanic activity. His teenage nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson from “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Zathura” and “RV”) comes to visit him for a week. They go through a box of possessions that belonged to Sean’s scientific explorer dad Max, who went missing 11 years ago in Iceland. When a blip appears on a radar screen from a sensor set back in 1997 by Max, they consult his handwritten notes appearing in the margins of the Jules Verne book.
They set off for Iceland where they hire a beautiful mountain guide, Hannah (Anita Briem, who is actually Icelandic). A lightning storm hits and the trio are trapped in a cave. This begins an amazing adventure that resembles a series of amusement park rides.
They go deeper and deeper into the depths of the Earth. The temperature starts rising as the core feels like a giant oven. Trevor and Hannah take turns saving each other’s lives.
Romantic undercurrents develop as Trevor and Sean are attracted to Hannah.
The movie has a swift pace with a running time of 89 minutes. The special effects are fantastic. You encounter man-eating plants, giant flying piranha, glowing bluebirds and a terrifying T-Rex dinosaur.
The movie shows how important it is to learn the periodic table. The properties of magnesium are a key component to a safe return to the surface.
The cinematography provides scenic natural vistas and a smorgasbord of incredible sights.
The movie has a winning sense of humor despite the dangerous situations encountered at every juncture. There are many meaningful positive messages that include pointing out that people in our lives matter more than money, jewels and material possessions.
Fraser, looking athletic and fit, has a charismatic personality. The kids will be able to identify with Hutcherson as a role model. The perky, strawberry blonde-haired Briem makes an indelible impression with her strong, self-assured performance.
The bold musical score perfectly complements the action-driven story. This family-friendly movie was the first live-action, narrative motion picture entirely conceived and shot in digital 3D. The one-size-fits-all glasses add a whole new dimension to the viewing experience. Tape measures, yo-yos and other objects come right at you.
Although available on most screens in the standard 2D flat format, the only place in Johnson County to see the highly recommended RealD 3D version is AMC Town Center 20.
Weekly Top 5 Flick Picks
Wanted
When Did You Last See Your Father
The Children of Huang Shi
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
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3 stars Rated PG-13
The weekly summer merry-go-round of superheroes continues with the return of the demon spawn nicknamed “Big Red.”
Hipster fanboys will be attracted like moths to a flame to this follow-up to the 2004 film based on Mike Mignola’s comic book series.
Ron Perlman (“Beauty and the Beast”) is back in the lead role as the tough, cigar-smoking protector of mankind with a soft spot for cats. He is joined by his incendiary girlfriend Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) and fish-out-of-water sidekick Abe Sapien (Doug Jones) as fellow agents of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD). Their supervisor is Tom Manning (bald-headed Jeffrey Tambor from “Arrested Development” and “The Larry Sanders Show”) who has a bigger role and provides comic relief.
The newest addition to the team is Johann Krauss (voiced by Seth MacFarlane), an intimidating German ectoplasmic spirit housed in a very special containment suit.
A 1955 Christmas Eve bedtime story serves as a preamble to what follows over a half century later. Prince Nuada (Luke Goss), a martial arts master, comes out of exile after thousands of years. He wants to end the truce between the trolls of the forest and the human race.
In order to resurrect the ruthless and invincible golden mechanical army, this evil warlord must reassemble the magical crown. There are three distinct pieces. The first piece is up for bids at a NYC auction house. The other two pieces are in the possession of his father, the Troll King, and his twin sister, Princess Nuala (intoxicating beauty Anna Walton).
Mexican writer-director Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”) totally immerses you into this fantasy realm inhabited by the most imaginative and unusual creatures. The variety of never-before-seen other worldly beings hits a high note during a sequence in the Troll Market.
The movie’s strongest asset is Hellboy, who views himself as an ugly freak of nature similar to the Frankenstein monster. Once you get by the outward appearance and spend time with this unique individual, you find yourself enjoying his company. He has a delightful personality that is punctuated by his humorous wisecracking remarks.
His ongoing domestic dispute with Liz and their love for one another trumps the action. The signature moment occurs when Hellboy and Abe, both love struck and inebriated from beer, sing a duet of Barry Manilow’s “I Can’t Smile Without You.”
The movie will remind you of “Ghostbusters” and “Men in Black.” The production design, art direction, special effects, makeup and costumes are all top drawer. These various facets make this a visually sumptuous treat.
Oscar-winning composer Danny Elfman (“Wanted,” “Good Will Hunting,” ”Men in Black” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) provides a rich tapestry with an original musical score.
After a promising setup, the story loses its fizz and the ultimate showdown is disappointing. This second installment bridges the gap to the concluding chapter of the trilogy being contemplated by del Toro, whose next project is the highly anticipated “Hobbit.”
If you’re seeking an escape from the scorching July heat, this entertaining joy ride is worth taking.
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH
3 stars Rated PG
This thrilling and exciting science-fiction adventure provides an adrenaline rush with eye candy delights. It’s a modern update of the classic 1864 novel by Jules Verne. After seeing this movie, kids will want to add this book to their summer reading list.
Pat Boone, James Mason and Diane Baker starred in the Oscar-nominated 1959 film with the same title.
Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser from “The Mummy” films) is a science professor whose specialty is predicting volcanic activity. His teenage nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson from “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Zathura” and “RV”) comes to visit him for a week. They go through a box of possessions that belonged to Sean’s scientific explorer dad Max, who went missing 11 years ago in Iceland. When a blip appears on a radar screen from a sensor set back in 1997 by Max, they consult his handwritten notes appearing in the margins of the Jules Verne book.
They set off for Iceland where they hire a beautiful mountain guide, Hannah (Anita Briem, who is actually Icelandic). A lightning storm hits and the trio are trapped in a cave. This begins an amazing adventure that resembles a series of amusement park rides.
They go deeper and deeper into the depths of the Earth. The temperature starts rising as the core feels like a giant oven. Trevor and Hannah take turns saving each other’s lives.
Romantic undercurrents develop as Trevor and Sean are attracted to Hannah.
The movie has a swift pace with a running time of 89 minutes. The special effects are fantastic. You encounter man-eating plants, giant flying piranha, glowing bluebirds and a terrifying T-Rex dinosaur.
The movie shows how important it is to learn the periodic table. The properties of magnesium are a key component to a safe return to the surface.
The cinematography provides scenic natural vistas and a smorgasbord of incredible sights.
The movie has a winning sense of humor despite the dangerous situations encountered at every juncture. There are many meaningful positive messages that include pointing out that people in our lives matter more than money, jewels and material possessions.
Fraser, looking athletic and fit, has a charismatic personality. The kids will be able to identify with Hutcherson as a role model. The perky, strawberry blonde-haired Briem makes an indelible impression with her strong, self-assured performance.
The bold musical score perfectly complements the action-driven story. This family-friendly movie was the first live-action, narrative motion picture entirely conceived and shot in digital 3D. The one-size-fits-all glasses add a whole new dimension to the viewing experience. Tape measures, yo-yos and other objects come right at you.
Although available on most screens in the standard 2D flat format, the only place in Johnson County to see the highly recommended RealD 3D version is AMC Town Center 20.
Weekly Top 5 Flick Picks
Wanted
When Did You Last See Your Father
The Children of Huang Shi
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Hellboy II: The Golden Army