10 Reasons Why Hellboy II: The Golden Army Is Still ICONIC
1. Guillermo. Del. F***ing. Toro.
I've already mentioned him at least a dozen times on this list but the mind-boggling greatness of this film can really all be chalked up to one thing; Guillermo del Toro. Without him, audiences would have never gotten such a bold, original, and singular take on this character.
He and Mignola's script is incredibly well-structured and effective, weaving the development of character and theme so tightly into the narrative that it feels effortless. His direction is consistently impressive, incorporating a visual langue all his own (screen wipes, blood and guts smearing the lens of the camera, a very distinct and quick-witted rhythm to the action sequences) that fits the genre so well its kind of shocking that it wasn't immediately ripped off by every other comic book movie director in town.
Overall, del Toro is an incredible creator and it is just so much fun to see him work with a larger budget like this and just watch his mind sprawl out onto the blank canvas.
Thank you for everything, Guillermo.