You really have to feel bad for Hellboy II, being released around the same time as The Dark Knight, especially when the former is actually quite good. Despite being a fan of the first movie I was a bit skeptical when I heard about the sequel, but all of my skepticism was tossed out the window when I finally saw the trailer. Based on how it looked, I imagined it’d be worlds better than its predecessor. And I was right.

Hellboy II picks up where the first film leaves off, with the familiar cast of characters (and some new additions such as the Seth MacFarlane voiced Johann Krauss). This time around though the film delves more into folklore and mythology, blending Guillermo del Toro’s penchant for ingeniously crafted creature effects with dizzying action sequences that make the ones in the first Hellboy look amateurish. And (when the film comes out on DVD) you can play a fun drinking game by taking a shot everytime the editor uses an invisible cut. I guarantee you’ll be wasted before the first half hour’s gone by.

Everything about Hellboy II is just so much more epic. Dozens of characters and creatures, incredible action and effects, a unique story entrenched in folklore … wait, I’m repeating myself here. Still, that’s really what strikes me most about this film though. It feels like a mix of Pan’s Labyrinth and MirrorMask (a great film written by Neil Gaiman) with a splash of the original Hellboy for taste and color. What comes out is a delicious blend of superhero goodness and fantastical surrealism at its best.

Even if you weren’t a fan of the first Hellboy, or are skeptical about the whole franchise, give Hellboy II a shot. It’ll be well worth it.