Hellboy II DVD 2008Of all the directors associated with the Nuevo Cine Mexicano (New Mexican Cinema), Guillermo Del Toro has been among the most eager to export his talents around the world. Having previously worked in Hollywood on such films as Mimic and Blade II, Del Toro turned down offers to direct the third Blade film, the third Harry Potter film, and the first Alien Vs. Predator in order to work on his dream project, 2004’s Hellboy. The affection and respect he has for the world of Mike Mignola’s comic book series has never been more evident than in his follow-up, Hellboy II: The Golden Army. It’s becoming increasingly common for comic book movie sequels to surpass their predecessors (see Spider-Man 2 and The Dark Knight), and Hellboy II is no exception.

The singular imagination that found expression in Pan’s Labyrinth is in full flower here, from the offices of the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (think Men in Black headquarters for mythology majors) to the fantastical Troll Market hidden under the Brooklyn Bridge (“Tooth fairies don’t get sold around here… Jersey, maybe.”). The juxtaposition of mainstream American culture with the occult is exemplified by Hellboy himself (Ron Perlman), a demon child who was sent to destroy the world but instead got adopted by the U.S. Army and raised on Howdy-Doody and Coca-Cola. Perlman is perfect for the role, full of bluster and sarcasm as he does battle with trolls, goblins and all manner of exotic monsters.

But at their heart, the Hellboy films are grappling with some of the same issues many other comic book films address–namely, the angst of being considered a freak while simultaneously yearning for assimilation and acceptance in the larger community. Del Toro, whose devout grandmother attempted to exorcise him as a child due to his interest in fantasy and science fiction, can probably relate. It’s no coincidence that Hellboy is seen watching Bride of Frankenstein at one point, or that every film Del Toro makes has Catholic imagery all over it. Listen to his commentary track on this film and you’ll appreciate the layers of subliminal and not-so-subliminal imagery he weaves into his work.

Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Rated PG-13

DVD Release Date: 11/11/08