Hellboy II: The Golden Army

I watched Hellboy a few years back but I have totally forgotten the story. Never mind that because you do not have to watch Hellboy in order to know what Hellboy 2 - The Golden Army is about. I have vague memory about Hellboy but I did not think it was a good movie after I watched it. However, now that I watched Hellboy 2 - The Golden Army, I am determined to watch Hellboy once again.

Preview
The Golden Army was a group of 70 times 70 magical mechanical soldiers offered to King Balor, leader of the magic elfin race. In order to control The Golden Army, a magical crown was created and only the people with royal blood will be able to command The Golden Army with the crown. And only the people with royal blood will be able to challenge to own the crown.

King Balor was worried and fear because the greediness of mankind had caused war between them and the blood of his race was spilled while fighting for him. Eventually, he sent The Golden Army to defeat mankind. Deep inside, he felt regret as The Golden Army fought mercilessly. Eventually, he called for peace and separated the crown into three pieces; one for mankind and two for himself.

Prince Nuada, son of King Balor was not convinced that mankind will change. In the present day, he seeks to obtain all three pieces of the crown with the hope to awaken The Golden Army and destroy mankind. However, Hellboy and his team are in Prince Nuada's quest to command The Golden Army.

The Storyline
It was enjoying when watching Hellboy 2 - The Golden Army. The story continues to develop smoothly minutes by minutes as Hellboy and his team search for answers and clues. There are obstacles where Hellboy overcomes with violence, as usual. There are also funny scenes which do not look stupid.

Of course, Hellboy 2 - The Golden Army will not end if The Golden Army is not awakened. It is a pity that it does not reach to a stage where mankind fight against awakened The Golden Army in the present day.

The Effects
The effects were nice to watch. Hellboy 2 - The Golden Army is able to explain almost everything in detail yet short. The Golden Army are the ones to watch because they are indestructible and they are able to reconstruct on their own. Honestly, I do not really like the 'fish'.

Verdict
Overall, it is a good film. I do not remember that Hellboy gave me a good impression but Hellboy 2 - The Golden Army is the one to watch. As I mentioned, you do not have to watch Hellboy in order to understand Hellboy 2 - The Golden Army, which is good. The characters are lively and animations are beautifully rendered. The story follows a path that leads you into the film and not leaving you stranded. What more do you want?

By KH Tan