HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY

RYAN: Let me tell you, “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” is one visual masterpiece.

CAROLINE: Having zero interest in Hellboy the comic, or any comic book for that matter, I went to this movie somewhat grudgingly. I didn’t particularly enjoy it, but the visual effects are definitely outstanding, as are the costumes and makeup.

RYAN: We were interested in this film primarily because it’s directed by Guillermo del Toro, whose “Pan’s Labyrinth” we both enjoyed and respected. In keeping with that visual style he’s known for, he definitely put his stamp on this film, much like Tim Burton does with his films. In fact, I predict Tim Burton is going to be a little jealous of this movie.

CAROLINE: I was into the first half hour or so of this movie. There are tons of creatures, which is one of Guillermo’s signatures. I don’t know how they outfitted and made up all those actors to look so creepy and real. Nothing looks fake at all, except for Hellboy as a child. I was a little creeped out by how he could barely move his mouth and how his lips looked out of sync with his dialogue.

RYAN: I was also into the first half of the movie. I was totally along for the sci-fi ride and I thought the story was really good. Then it takes a turn halfway through and becomes completely silly. It jumped the shark when it turned into a musical, and you know I normally enjoy a musical number in a movie. But not in a sci-fi movie like this. I didn’t buy it at all.

CAROLINE: That scene was odd, and it involves a Barry Manilow song. It was funny for a second, but then I couldn’t figure out why it was going on for so long. I loved Doug Jones as Abe Sapien. He does a lot of creature acting, and he’s great.

RYAN: In this role, he reminded me of a combo of C3PO, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow from “The Wizard of Oz.”

CAROLINE: I know you love Selma Blair, so were you as thrilled with her in this movie as you’d hoped to be?

RYAN: I love her because of her role in “Legally Blonde.” She’s not a leading lady, but she did a great job. She didn’t do any typical Selma shtick.

CAROLINE: Do we think that was her real hair in the movie or a wig?

RYAN: Clearly, it’s a wig. It was lopsided!

CAROLINE: Yeah, and she could have just gotten an asymmetrical haircut, and then cut it really short once the shoot ended.

RYAN: Good point. Who’s to say? I loved John Hurt, who narrated the film at the beginning. And I loved the Dark Prince Nuada! He was really hot.

CAROLINE: The makeup on him and his twin sister was amazing. Some of the action sequences were cool too, but eventually I just started yawning out loud. Not that it’s a bad movie; it’s just not my bag, baby. Let’s be honest – I’m not exactly the target audience. Bottom line?

RYAN: I have to give it a mixed review. It’s visually beautiful, the acting is good and the story is mostly good. It’s expertly directed, of course. But there’s just some silliness that might be appreciated by the kids, but not by me.

CAROLINE: I’m not really sure who likes these movies. I guess comic book fanboy types? Hellboy isn’t one of our old-time favorite comic book characters so I don’t think his appeal is as wide. If this type of movie is your thing, I’m sure you’ll like it. But for me, the only thing I found enjoyable was how great the special effects and makeup were. Other than that, I was bored.