Director and writer: James Gunn
Stars: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper
Rating PG-13
Running Time: 2h 18m
Genre: Science Fiction/Action

Producer: Marvel Studios
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is the fifteenth movie in the marvel cinematic universe. A sequel to the surprise hit Guardians of the Galaxy, it boasts the universes most unlikely saviours. The film is marked by self-aware shenanigans and just enough whistles and explosions to save it. Director James Gunn’s follow-up retains all the ingredients that made the first one a fun and enthralling ride but doesn’t add anything more to the mix. Taking a cue from the Fast and Furious franchise, yeah you guessed it; family is the basis of this tale.

The movie opens with our ragtag heroes working together as a team this time around against a giant yellow blooded tentacle creature. It really starts to kick-off with toddler Groot dancing to Mr Blue Sky while the rest of the team battles the monstrous octopus in the background. The immersive 3D and CG is one of the best opening acts in the MCU till date. It serves its purpose which is to reintroduce all our favourite characters with winks, explosions and one-liners.

Following the visually spectacular opening sequence, Rocket’s kleptomania spells trouble for the gang yet again as they battle their way through an army of angry golden skinned Sovereigns led by their leader Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) or outwit Taserface (Chris Sullivan) a grumpy, grisly space pirate and self-appointed replacement for Yondu (Michael Rooker).

For the most part of the movie, Mr Gunn choses to explore the origins of Peter Quill (Chris Pratt aka Star-Lord) and throws in Ego played by charismatic Russell Crowe as a sassy highly fertile planet into the mix. He hurries the plot along as he asks his long lost son, Quill, to join him for a little family reunion. Nebula’s (Keren Williams) sibling rivalry with Gamora (Zoe Saldana) was delved into a bit more, giving meaning and motivation to her character but on the whole the family aspect slowed the movie way down. Hunky dim-wit alien warrior Drax (Dave Bautista) finds a quirky complement in a socially awkward empath named Mantis (Pom Klementief) and their combo was surprisingly interesting. The brands stand-out duo and top selling toys are still the CGI three word talking twig and cheeky Racoon (voiced ever-so-delightfully by Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper respectively).They have their fair share of screen time and chemistry between them is amiable, just enough to make you miss them when you walk out of the cinema hall.

The only character that was truly a sight for sore eyes was Yondu played by the dashing Micheal Rooker. His character brought gravitas to other characters and was easily the best part of this film. Mr Gunn tries to ease in the Father- Son dilemmas and twists but falls short of a homerun since it’s been done time and time again. Sure, Russell Crowe sweeps you into a trance with his smooth voice and persuasive smile, but it still isn’t convincing enough.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 surely has checked all the visual boxes but sadly not all the narrative ones. Among the most appealing visuals are the scenes on Ego’s planet, reminiscent of psychedelic album cover artwork. This trippy and lucid world keeps you from losing all hope during over-dragged sequences on the planet. Another highlight was the retro music. The song choices and scene combinations fit more often than not giving you a nostalgic feeling of the first movie. It seemed like the director was looking to appeal to a generation who doesn’t know what it feels like to listen to old classic hits that had memories and experiences attached to it.

Overall the movie was fun. It had more ups than downs and the emotional climax struck a chord. It’s a solid by the numbers summer Hollywood blockbuster, despite it being a less comprehensive movie than the first one. As we have already witnessed with Fate of the Furious earlier this summer, family sometimes does take you a long way.