Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team Guardians of the Galaxy, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and the 15th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Written and directed by James Gunn, the film stars an ensemble cast featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Sylvester Stallone, and Kurt Russell. In the film, the Guardians travel throughout the cosmos as they help Peter Quill learn more about his mysterious parentage. (Wikipedia)
Considering how amazing and surprising the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie was, when it was released in 2014, it is perhaps shocking (or maybe not) that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 matches not only its sheer entertainment quality but builds on the characters and relationships introduced in the original.
That said, the plot itself is threadbare simple – basically, Peter Quill/Starlord (Chris Pratt) meets his father Ego (Kurt Russell) but things are, of course, not what they seem.
And whilst the plot may be light, the characterisations and story events are so well crafted and targeted for maximum emotional impact that that fact becomes irrelevant.
Fact, is the audience will be enthralled (once more) by the Guardians viz. Quill, Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Baby Groot (Vin Diesel), Gamora (Zoe Saldana) & Drax (Dave Bautista), the last named of which is given more screen time to very pleasurable effect.
In addition, writer/director James Gunn expands the connections between ‘villains’ Yondu (Michael Rooker) and Nebula (Karen Gillan) to finetune and reveal the core of their relationships with Quill and Gamora, respectively.
A honourable mention goes also to the classic Steve Englehart Avengers character Mantis (Pom Klementieff) as Ego’s emphatic slave.
If there is a difference between the two movies, it might be said that you – kind reader – as a viewer are going to laugh and cry more throughout the movie.
There are also numerous sequences that appeal to ALL ages – so comedic that even the most stoic will be rolling in the aisles – in itself an incredible achievement in this day and age.
The main flaw with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is the same experienced with the original – the movie comes to an end! We can imagine watching and being entertained by hours and hours of the Guardians of the Galaxy!
Note: There are quite a few post-credits scenes so please please please stay for them all!
Watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 on Disney+.
… still there’s more …