Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Directed by James Gunn
Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russel, and the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel.
Backstory
Guardians of the Galaxy was predicted to be the first flop of the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to its obscurity, but wound up knocking everyone’s socks off. But then, people started asking, “Could they do it again with the sequel?” The first trailers seemed to imply “Yes,” with the requisite unusual pop songs and adorable baby Groot. So, of course, I was there opening weekend.
Plot
We catch up with the Guardians of Galaxy doing a guard gig for an alien race known as the Sovereign, so they can collect a bounty of Gamora’s sister Nebula. But things go sideways and they soon find themselves being hunted by the Sovereign. While hiding out on a deserted planet, the Guardians are soon approached by the cosmic being Ego, claiming to be Peter’s long lost father. Peter, Gamora, and Drax head off with Ego to investigate, while Rocket, Baby Groot, and the captured Nebula stay behind. But soon, Rocket, Groot, and Nebula are captured by Peter’s old crew the Ravagers, led by Yondu, who’ve been contracted by the Sovereign to bring in the Guardians. Soon, things come to a head as Drax falls for Ego’s consort Mantis, Yondu and Rocket form an uneasy alliance, Gamora and Nebula head towards a sisterly reconciliation, and Peter learns of his true parentage…and Ego’s true plot. Can the Guardians of the Galaxy save the galaxy a second time?
What I Liked
Like the first movie, the music choices seem unorthodox at first, but man, it works. The performances, again, are a standout. Dave Bautista once again steals the show as the brutally honest Drax, and he gets a good foil in Mantis, who has been raised in isolation on Ego’s planet and therefore has no social skills. I really liked the focus this time is more on the characters and their relationships, and really adds some depth to everyone. Especially Nebula, who I felt was a little short-changed in the first film. Great special effects, great sci-fi universe, great everything.
What I Didn’t Like
Not much, really. Although, I think we may be at the point where the Easter eggs are getting a little too deep-cut. And there was a sprinkle of sequel-itis, where it just didn’t feel as fresh as the first film.
Final Verdict
Whole lot of fun at the movies, man. Another winner for Marvel.