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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
37 Comments
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From reading this and watching all the trailers, I can safely say that this looks like it will be better than the first one. That’s saying something for any sequel!
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.
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.
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!
Everyone I know is excited for Gotg2. I guess I need to get around to seeing the first one.
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.
This looks amazing! The visuals and the great cast have got me really excited for Volume 2. Perhaps a great idea for date night!
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!
We cannot wait to see this film. My son is busting and hasn’t stopped talking about it!
This looks like an interesting movie.
I usual do not follow these types of movies, but this one I may give a try.
That Baby Groot is the cutest thing I have ever seen! My son is wanting a toy of him for this birthday!
I want to see this so bad. It looks beyond amazing!
My kids are chomping at the bit to see this. We are counting down the days!
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.
i can’t wait to see this. the first one was awesome so i’m sure this one will be as well.
I want to see the first one at home. Then I want to see this one in the theater.
I also saw a prescreening and LOVED IT! Better than the first one – shhhh. Drax – that laugh…kills me!
My husband and i cannot wait to see this! What a great cast, i love Chris Pratt!
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I can’t wait to see this movie! I loved the first one and can’t wait to see baby Groot
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!
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.
I have heard nothing but great things about GOTG2 and can not wait to see it. My kids are especially excited for Baby Groot.
Obviously baby Groot is my favourite! I can’t wait to go and see the new movie, we just loved the first one.
I’ve been watching this trailer many times! I just can’t wait to see the movie! đ
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!
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!
Thank you so much!
Baby Groot is all kinds of adorable! I can’t wait to take my family to see the new GOTG2!
I can not wait to see this! I loved the first one and this one looks even better.
I loved the first so I know I will love this new one. Baby Groot is the cutest thing ever!
Oh my son is going to love this! Haha – baby groot
Great review! My family and I can’t wait to see this movie since we love the first one.
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!
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.
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