I loved Iron Man and thought it set the bar for other blockbusters to beat this summer season. When banging around contenders in my head, I came to the conclusion that Hellboy 2 will not only surprise everyone with its awesomeness, but will be the best film of the summer. I have come to this conclusion through the following lines of thought:
Hellboy has already had the stage set and is now free to launch headlong into action. X-Men 2 and Spiderman 2 are considered by many to be better than the films that launched the franchise, and I am convinced that much of this has to do with the laborious task of introducing the characters and setting the foundation for the films that will follow. In this regard, Hellboy and Batman are on equal footing – but my money is on Red. (Sorry Wesley)
This film is employing the work of master monster maker Mike Elizalde. He is dedicated to making the best monsters possible, and wherever possible – he is going to use a man in suit. I (along with others) have been pleased as punch at this return to classic monster effects. CGI is fine and good – but nothing beats a man in a crafted silicone suit. By using real actors in your monsters, you are able to get more life like performances and much is added to the atmosphere of the scene. Mike even created a working retractable fist cannon that will be outfitted on Hellboy’s troll nemesis!
I have spoken to many that haven’ t enjoyed the first Hellboy film, and still they seem VERY optimistic about this upcoming incarnation. The trailer on the big screen has a huge wow factor. Seeing the trailer on You Tube doesn’t do it justice – this is one that you need to see big (and you will be glad that you did). I believe that this wow factor will be carried through to the film when the world comes together for people and the otherworldly action is brought to the city streets. When you combine outstanding eye candy and jaw dropping violence – people tend to be pleased.
Lastly, I have high hopes for this film because Guillermo seems to kick more ass with each crack up to bat. He is growing in skill at a seemingly exponential rate and I consider him to be among my favorite sci/fi fantasy directors. He is a man of incredible vision and I have no doubt that history will remember him as a master smith.
So there you have it folks – do you think Hellboy is going to beat the Batman, Iron Man, Hulk and all the other heavyweights this summer? Am I high on glue, or a prophet that speaks the truth? Feel free to debate this point of discussion!
