‘Hellboy 2’ Tops Box Office
More good news on the comic book movie front, as Hellboy 2: The Golden Army is reportedly tops at the box office, with a $35.9 million haul.
Variety says that well outpaces 2002’s Hellboy, the first teamup between director Guillermo del Toro and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. The second film didn’t face much competition, and next week brings the heavy hitter The Dark Knight, but it’s still a good (and better than expected) take.
Universal said the successful opening of the aggressively marketed “Golden Army” both cements the “Hellboy” film franchise, based on the Dark Horse Comics character, and continues the studio’s winning streak at the summer box office.
“This is an incredible result. No other studio wanted to do this, but Universal had the wherewithal to do it. You had a very talented filmmaker, plus a great marketing campaign that created a huge demand,” said U prexy of distribution Nikki Rocco.
“Golden Army’s” audience breakdown intrigued competing studios. Of Friday’s audience, 69% were male, while a sizeable 58% were over the age of 25, pointing to del Toro’s draw. A full 10% were over the age of 50, while 34% were 35 and older.
Sounds like a third film is possible, depending on how ticket sales hold up.
I finally got to see it Sunday, with a moderately full theater. Lots of good laughs, but overall it was pretty uneven, mainly because of some weaknesses in the script.
Saw it Friday night myself. Much of the same.. Lots of laughs, audience enjoyed thoroughly. From my perspective after a little watercooler chat this morning… I liked it. Not as much as the first one exactly. Del Toro has an amazing imagination and visual style, but I think at times the plot got a little thin. Drunk shower singing was amazing, don't get me wrong, but it did take away from the immediacy of the impending danger. No need to nitpick it to death though; I left with a smile on my face, and it was well worth the price of admission. Is it accessible to everyone? Not a chance. Is it good for fans of the source? Damn skippy.
I actually thought it went too far toward accessibility and didn't stay true enough to the darker elements of the source material. Also, Hellboy's character hardly was developed at all. Seemed more like a B.P.R.D. movie co-starring Hellboy.
Nit nit nitcomplain complain complainIt's a popcorn movie!! Ya gotta love monster movies!!!Besides, Del Toro makes gorgeous monsters films.Lean back, enjoy the movie, and eat your popcorn. ;-)