Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Review

 

The Guardians of the Galaxy stands out as one of my favorite Marvel Studios films of all time. In 2014 most people didn’t even know who the “Guardians of the Galaxy” were. The niche comic made in the 60’s with lots of bright colors and steampunk meets outer space vibe had never really hit the mainstream. And certainly, no one ever thought they would be as big as the Avengers. But, $773 million later of worldwide box office cheddar proved the Guardians of the Galaxy to be a mega win.

 

GOTGVol2 Movie review

 

We all loved the clumsy group of misfits with their dance moves, emotional baggage and epic mixtape from the first installment. It was nice to see they were completely different than the other Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes. But living up to that film was going to be tough for James Gunn, especially when sequels are hardly better than first installments. So what did the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 bring to the nerd universe?

 

My Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 Review from the Atlanta Premiere

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 images
©Marvel Studios 2017

 

There were a lot of battles being fought in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. There were also a lot of emotions being tapped. I laughed, cried and got angry. All things I never expected from an action-adventure film. But we’re talking about the “freaking Guardians of the Galaxy”. And I think we should all know by now, anything is possible from the ‘Guardians’ and Director James Gunn.

 

Humor, drama and galaxies came together as Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Baby Groot come back (in their own perfectly dysfunctional way) to save the universe from total destruction.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 images
©Marvel Studios 2017

 

In Vol. 2 we see a few unlikely relationships form giving us a glimpse into the vulnerable sides of both villains and the Guardians. Further character development was chosen over intense plot. A move that some critics are dishing out flack on. A move I think is completely in line with who the Guardians of the Galaxy and the franchise started out to be… a film about a group of outcasts who do their own thing. And, they do it in outer space.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 images
©Marvel Studios 2017

 

We see that Peter Quill AKA Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) discovers his lineage along with a few things he doesn’t want to discover about his father Ego (Kurt Russell). Gamora (Zoe Saldana) is still her badass self with a bit of sibling rivalry to work through with Nebula (Karen Gillan). Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) came in with a bit more comedy than before playing the friend who laughs at everyone’s fails including Mantis’ (Pom Klementieff). Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) is his usual cynical self but finds an unlikely bond with Yondu (Michael Rooker).

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 images
©Marvel Studios 2017

 

Last but not least of the Guardians, Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) quite possibly stole the show with his eyes alone. He certainly gave the Guardians a soft, babysitter-like vibe alongside galactic chaos. Finally, we can’t leave out the epic mixtape the film is so well known for. I feel like it in itself is another member of the Guardians. I won’t spoil the dance moves but I will say this, prepare for some serious vibes (and maybe a few moves of your own).

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 images
©Marvel Studios 2017

 

The film has a lot more “feels” than the first installment and highlights the importance of family, no matter where they come from, blood or not. I personally found this to tug on my heart strings a bit as a single mom who’s only son calls three men “dad”, my best friend “aunt” and has a dog for a sister. I think the film was relative to the family landscape we see now. Landscapes where kids may or may not have relationships with their parents, or in my case, may have relationships with multiple parents. There is a very clear message which is not a likely take away from other action-packed superhero films. Family is about who is there for you because they want to be, not because they have to be.

 

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 images
©Marvel Studios 2017

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 images
©Marvel Studios 2017

 

In Vol. 2 the Guardians of the Galaxy are fighting not just emotional battles but total galactic annihilation as they face not one but three enemies; the Sovereign, a gold plated race of super entitled aliens led by a golden goddess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), Ego, Peter Quill’s all being, super villain, realm dude father who’s very existence is centered around destruction and the Ravagers, the outlaw mercenaries from the first installment. We also see Stakar (Sylvester Stallone) come in as a supporting role to the Ravagers.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 images, Guardians of the galaxy vol 2
©Marvel Studios 2017

 

The costuming is astounding. Vibrant colors and unusual textiles take shape to the idea of riding a rainbow through galaxies and landing in Mos Eisley Cantina. I especially loved Ayesha and the Sovereign costuming. It was like they were dipped in gold. Think Narnia’s Ice Queen meets ancient Egypt.

 

The Take-Away

 

There’s no way this film could have hit the plot depth and character depth without rolling out a four-hour film. I like what James Gunn did here. It was a perfect balance of interstellar adventure with a range of emotions and a concise meaning. Although critics have their opinions on this, I say it’s a great film, an incredible sequel and worth taking your kids to see (not young kids). In a world where nothing seems normal anymore, I think it’s very relatable. 

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 images,Guardians of the galaxy vol 2
©Marvel Studios 2017

 

Theater tips: Don’t miss the beginning and stay for ALL 5 CREDIT SCENES! PS James Gunn has a special pre-show reel for openings in Georgia!

More images, posters, and trailers here

Author

Christa Thompson is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Fairytale Traveler. She started traveling the world in 2003 when she attended a summer abroad study at the University of Cambridge in England. Since then, her wanderlust has been fierce. Her three passions in life are her son, traveling, and being creative. The Fairytale Traveler brand gives Christa the opportunity to do all of these things and to live intentionally every day. "It's never too late to believe in what you love and to pursue your dreams." -Christa Thompson

37 Comments

  1. Pingback: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Red Carpet Premiere Atlanta |

  2. OMG, this is going to be the most epic Marvel movie to-date. I mean, jeez… EVERYONE is in it, and I am loving Drax. SO MUCH.

  3. I’m glad this ended up being a good sequel. I’m pretty excited to see the characters return! They rocked in the first one.

  4. Normally, I am not a fan of sequels, but this one looks like it’s a must see! I can’t wait to take my family to it!

  5. I can’t wait to see this movie! I think the first one was great and this one is going to be even better. I love Chris Pratt too. I think he is, well, yum (lol) and I like to watch him on the screen.

  6. Tracey Zimmer Reply

    This looks amazing! The visuals and the great cast have got me really excited for Volume 2. Perhaps a great idea for date night!

  7. My husband went and saw this on Friday. He loved it and can’t wait to take our oldest to see it over the weekend! He keeps raving about it!

  8. Kita Bryant Reply

    My kids are chomping at the bit to see this. We are counting down the days!

  9. My Teen Guide Reply

    My boys loved the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie and they always said there will be a second one for sure. Well, here is the 2nd one! This is going to make them flip! LOL.

  10. I want to see the first one at home. Then I want to see this one in the theater.

  11. Pingback: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailers Posters and More!

  12. BOOYAH! I cannot wait to see this for two reasons.
    1: Their approach and comedic sensibilities are awesome!
    2: I’m eager to look for Easter eggs and possible references to which Infinity Gauntlet/War story arc they might use for the upcoming film. Sweet!

  13. We’re going to see Volume 2 this weekend, and I can barely contain my excitement. I’m like a little boy. This is my favorite movie franchise.

  14. I have heard nothing but great things about GOTG2 and can not wait to see it. My kids are especially excited for Baby Groot.

  15. We saw it last weekend and while not quite as good as the first, certainly a must-see. We’ll be going again this weekend!

  16. adventuredawg79 Reply

    I enjoyed this post. I’m glad the sequel is good. My daughter and I want to see it. Baby Groot is the cutest ever and voiced by Vin Diesel. It’s a win-win!

  17. I can not wait to see this! I loved the first one and this one looks even better.

  18. Annemarie LeBlanc Reply

    I loved the first so I know I will love this new one. Baby Groot is the cutest thing ever!

  19. Sometimes the sequel is not as good as the original, but not this time. I think GOTG2 is great! Of course, who else would steal the show but Baby Groot!

  20. I’m sure it’s even better than the first movie. It’s awesome that there are so many lessons to be learned from this first one. I can’t wait to watch this one with my kids.

  21. Pingback: Kevin Smith's Emotional Facebook Reaction Changed a Little Boy Forever

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