Film Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The latest instalment to the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains in space as we follow the Guardians of the Galaxy in another crazy adventure. The film is fun. Some flaws but a whole lot of fun. And that’s all you could really ask for with one of the lighter Marvel movies: fun.

Also, spoiler alert!

Leading up to the film, not much was released about the story itself. And in this digital age, thank goodness nothing major was released into the inter-webs. However, what was known about the film was that it would deal with the more personal side to the Guardians rather than their larger role in the MCU.

The film screams relationship development within the team and how their inner struggles affect that. Though the large focus on the team dynamic and relationships with new and old characters, the story didn’t feel as satisfying as its predecessor. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the film but from the beginning, the Sovereign were set up to be the antagonist until we see the true antagonist of the film was Ego (Kurt Russell) – Peter Quill’s (Chris Pratt) father.

It makes a lot more sense too since the Sovereign don’t seem to be that capable in the film to threaten the galaxy just so the Guardians can protect it again. But not much happens between the Sovereign’s hunt for the Guardians to Ego’s villainous reveal – apart from Yondu (Michael Rooker), Rocket Racoon (Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot’s (Vin Disel) great escape. While it was something I was scratching my head over, it was a minor flaw.

The humour within the film was a hit-and-miss: some moments were pure gold and other moments had me cringing in my seat. But it does what most Marvel movies cannot: balance comedy and heroism. I also want to point out the brilliant opening scene with little Baby Groot dancing around as the other Guardians fight a monster in the background. Even if some moments were predictable, it was pure genius and something I think we could only see in a Guardians of the Galaxy film.

I loved that there was not just one or two after-credit scenes but five in total which made the wait for the final credits a lot more bearable than previous Marvel films. My personal favourite was with a teenage Groot in his bedroom. A small part inside hopes that other Marvel films would be able to do this but it’s doesn’t seem likely.

The cast were (of course) on point; especially with the addition of Kurt Russell as Ego, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, and Sylvester Stallone as Stakar. I can see the potential that the latter two characters and I hope they can expand more on them in later films. Of course, Baby Groot is a show-stealer and has some of the best scenes in the film. Though I can never get over Yondu and his arrow.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a visual spectacular especially on Ego’s planet and the ending scene. It just shows how far special effects and CGI have come to create such realistic environments. On a completely different note, it’s great seeing how special effects can be used to comedic effect too.

Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is just a bunch of fun that I think everyone would enjoy. It’s not perfect but it does what it needs to do: entertain. And with the first of three Marvel films to be released this year, it’s a great start to what should be a great year for Marvel.

Photo Credit: Bleeding Cool; Nothing But Geek