Film Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2
The Guardians are back to save the galaxy once again…complete with side splitting moments of hilarity!
Plot:
Now established as forces to be reckoned in the universe, the famous Guardians of the Galaxy have enjoyed a great deal of success, but now they find themselves divided. Whilst hiding his true feelings for Gamora, Peter “Star Lord” Quill is reunited with his father, a godlike entity known as Ego, while the rest of the gang make implausible allies to combat a new and imminent threat to the galaxy’s security.
Review:
With the release of Guardians of the Galaxy in the summer of 2014, the landscape of the Marvel franchise was changed forever. The traditional formula, utilised so famously in previous Marvel movies was reformed by a talented director, who implemented his stunning view of a new kind of super-hero movie. The original comic, published in January 1969, proved to be a popular hit amongst the established fan base, and cemented the Guardians as influential members of the franchise. However, with characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Hulk already established within our collective cinematic experiences, the notion of changing the format was considered a gamble.
The movie, was released to rave reviews and despite the studio heads at Disney expecting a tepid response from the worldwide audiences, the movie went on to be a critically acclaimed box-office juggernaut. It’s freshness, was a delight for both devoted fans and casual moviegoers alike, and cemented the characters’ place at the pinnacle of our cultural cinematic popularity.
And now, we are set to join the ragtag team of Guardians on their second adventure in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2.
Expectations aren’t as low this time around for our band of intrepid antiheroes, but with director James Gunn at the helm (and already assigned directorial duties for Guardians Vol.3) we are in safe hands. The movie, capitalizes on what made the previous installment so popular and gives us “more of the same” in terms of action, comedy and character development. Whilst being a brighter, louder and more vibrant sequel, James Gunn has afforded us a perfectly apt sequel that will undoubtedly guarantee a glut of revenue for the Marvel movie machine, which shows no sign of slowing down.
Our beloved Guardians, Peter (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel) are back with a vengeance, and this time they are thrust into an adventure that reunites Quill, with his long-lost father. From the outset, the movie sets a furious pace which affords us a stunning opening credit sequence that will have fans splitting their sides with laughter, whilst marvelling at the action glistening on screen. But from there, our former rascals of the galaxy struggle to overcome what every sequel finds so difficult to prevail over…the weight of expectation.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, is by no means a bad sequel. It offers moments of pure brilliance at times, which are accentuated perfectly by the sheer hilarity of some of the exchanges between our beloved characters. However, with the original movie pulling out all the stops, Volume.2 struggles to emerge from the eclipse of its shadow.
The characters, as expected, are written brilliantly and stealing the show, is Baby Groot. Every fan will love the antics of the miniature version of the humanoid tree, who spends most of the movie adopting his baby-like persona that will melt the hearts of us all. He is only rivalled by the hilarious Drax (Dave Bautista). His antics, and comedic exchanges with his teammates are sublime and lightens the mood at just the right time, preventing the movie from stagnating for long periods. The relationship between Quill and Gamora, continues to blossom hinting at an unspoken romance which will have, even the austere among us, yearning to see come to fruition.
A new character, emerging into the action is godlike entity Ego (Kurt Russell), who introduces himself as the father of Peter Quill. Alongside him we find Mantis (Pom Klementieff), a bug-eyed alien acting as assistant to the mysterious Ego and aids in his quest for a balanced existence.
Ego whisks Peter, Gamora and Drax away to his home planet, while Rocket and Groot are left behind to deal with Gamora’s villainous half-sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) and the Ravagers, the gang of space pirates led by Yondu (Michael Rooker). As events unfold, the Guardians find themselves thrust into another struggle to save the galaxy and restore peace to the endless sea of stars reliant upon them.
In summary, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 is a solid entry into the Marvel fraternity, but will find itself struggling to emerge from its predecessors’ shadow. Visually, the movie is incredibly vibrant with many sequences pleasing to the eye which will pop on the IMAX or 3D screen. Equally agreeable is the score. Composed again by Tyler Bates, the soundtrack remains true to the original and maintains a musical continuity which is only accentuated by the mix tape formula of songs incorporated at every turn. Much like the previous installment, the musical interludes afford us a retro pop vibe that will have many of us, reverting to our younger selves ensuring a fun ride.
But with the story, failing to build upon its predecessor, Guardians Vol.2 is destined to be added to the pile of disappointing sequels that continues to expand year on year.
By no means, is it a bad movie. Far from it in fact, but compared to the original…it falls short of the standard set by James Gunn and his impressive team at Marvel.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 is in cinemas now. If it’s vibrant action, hilarious exchanges and a retro pulse-pounding musical journey you’re after, then Guardians Vol.2 delivers in a big way.
Set course for the stars and go see it in IMAX!
Until then…
It’s show time A-holes!
Overall Score 7/10
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