Hellboy

Hellboy II

Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a 2008 dark fantasy superhero film directed by Guillermo del Toro, serving as the sequel to the 2004 film Hellboy. Based on the Dark Horse Comics character created by Mike Mignola, the film continues the story of Hellboy (played by Ron Perlman), a demon raised by humans who now works as a paranormal investigator for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.). Combining myth, fantasy, and action, Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a visually stunning and emotionally rich adventure that expands the Hellboy universe while deepening its characters.

Set against the backdrop of a hidden world of magical creatures, the plot revolves around an ancient truce between humans and mythical beings. This truce is threatened when Prince Nuada (played by Luke Goss), a disgruntled elven royal, seeks to awaken the indestructible Golden Army—an ancient mechanical army built to annihilate mankind. Nuada believes that humans have corrupted the world and that it is time for magical beings to reclaim their rightful place. To unleash the Golden Army, he must collect three pieces of a mystical crown, and his ruthless pursuit of power forces the B.P.R.D. to step in.

Hellboy, alongside his pyrokinetic girlfriend Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), aquatic empath Abe Sapien (Doug Jones), and the ectoplasmic Johann Krauss (voiced by Seth MacFarlane), sets out to stop Nuada. As the team travels deeper into the hidden realms of elves, trolls, and elemental spirits, they face moral dilemmas about identity, destiny, and what it means to be human. Hellboy himself wrestles with his role in the human world and whether he truly belongs among them, especially as he confronts the prophecy that he may one day bring about the world's end.

Director Guillermo del Toro brings his signature visual style and love for mythical creatures to the forefront. The film is filled with breathtaking set pieces, including the Troll Market, which showcases del Toro’s imagination at full throttle. From grotesque monsters to delicate fairy-like beings, the creature design is extraordinary, often relying on practical effects and makeup rather than CGI, lending the film a tangible, immersive quality.

The performances are another highlight, with Ron Perlman delivering a charismatic and heartfelt portrayal of Hellboy. His chemistry with Selma Blair’s Liz adds emotional depth, while Doug Jones brings both elegance and vulnerability to Abe Sapien. Luke Goss’s Prince Nuada is a compelling antagonist—tragic, driven, and deeply principled, rather than simply evil.

Though praised for its artistry and ambition, Hellboy II didn’t perform as strongly at the box office as hoped, and plans for a third film were ultimately scrapped. Nonetheless, the film has since achieved cult status, admired for its creativity, emotional resonance, and the unique way it blends comic book action with mythological depth. More than just a superhero movie, Hellboy II: The Golden Army stands out as a darkly whimsical fable that explores the grey areas between good and evil, fate and free will, humanity and monstrosity.