Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Just because you discover your past doesn't mean it should dictate your future. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a science fiction adventure comedy adapted from the comic book series of the same name, and is the direct sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy. This follow up chronicles the continuing journey of the brave yet sarcastic, self-proclaimed leader of the eponymous Guardians of the Galaxy, Peter Quill a.k.a. "Star-Lord" (Chris Pratt). This merry band of misfits treks across the galaxy, performing dirty deeds, and usually antagonizing their clients in the process. After Peter is saved by a being calling himself "Ego" (Kurt Russell), who claims to be Peter's biological father, he begins to discover his true place in the universe, and the challenges that come with finding one's own path.
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As a part of the "Marvel Cinematic Universe" (or "MCU" for short), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 principally takes the plot and setting from its source material. However, like its predecessor, the film is a joyfully irreverent tale that deftly combines wit and humor with cosmic adventure and poignant emotion. Already vetted galaxy saviors, the intrepid Guardians have become heroes for hire. The gig that opens the film depicts them subduing a monstrous, tentacled alien beast (resembling the obscure comic book villain, Shuma-Gorath), while defending some alien batteries belonging to an arrogant race of gold-skinned space preppies and "rich kids" known collectively as the Sovereign. The massive battle unfolds with lasers blasting from big guns, swords and knives slashing away at green-blooded aliens, and copious explosions. As this is going on, the cuter-than-can-be Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), awkwardly connects a set of speakers his comrade-in-arms, Rocket (Bradley Cooper), has furnished for the fight, knowing Peter's love of music. Suddenly, "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra comes on and the audience watches the adorable Groot get his groove on as the frenetic chaos continues behind him. This mix of mirth, nostalgia, and action perfectly captures the tone of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Many of the diverse rascals from the first movie return as members of the team--including the stoic warrioress, Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and the burly and heedless Drax (Dave Bautista). Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker), an erstwhile antagonist and leader of his rogue band of Ravagers also returns, having taken a bounty to capture Peter. But Yondu has a crisis of conscience when he has to put his former rival and ward in harm's way. This befuddles his fellow space rogues, including the unfortunately named Taserface (Chris Sullivan), and even his long-time second-in-command, Kraglin (Sean Gunn). Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 fleshes out the cosmic universe of the MCU by introducing new characters drawn from classic and obscure characters from the comics. For example, there is Stakar Ogord (Sylvester Stallone), who is essentially a caporegime in the Ravager syndicate, and who exiled Yondu for his past dealings in "trading kids"--as was the case with Peter; but Yondu keeps a secret about this that has eaten away at him over the years. This introduction of more delightful and strange characters helps establish the framework of the MCU cosmos, and also pays homage to the film's pulp sci-fi adventure roots.
Unlike its predecessor, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 feels less like a film intended to set the stage for Thanos, the MCU's death-dealing titan, than a story about exploring Peter's past, his roots, and the role that a parent (or guardian) has in a child's upbringing. The film also seeks to define what a "family" is or isn't, and how that is relevant (or not) where blood is concerned. An introductory flashback around the time of Peter Quill's conception in Missouri, 1980 intimates the suspicious true intentions of Ego. As in the comics, Ego is a "celestial"--as he puts it, a god with a lower-case "g". Kurt Russell's "nice guy" persona is disarmingly played to full effect in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. He is like the dad we all wish we had--cool and comforting, with a warm smile and a consoling voice. After he reveals to Peter that he is his father, Ego invites him to live with him on his massive planet (he and the planet are one and the same), and it is like a dream come true. There is even a moment where Ego teaches Peter how to harness the same kind of immortal power they share, which plays out like a game of catch between father and son in the proverbial backyard. But there is an inescapable sense of betrayal and abandonment that lingers, and is captured perfectly in their interactions. This exists as an invisible barrier between them--an "unspoken thing", as Peter is fond of saying. Peter confronts Ego with his pain; Ego's response is to make an analogy by quoting lines from one of Peter's mother's favorite songs, "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)", performed by Looking Glass. As a self-styled god, he speaks in large, detached metaphors about the "vastness of the (proverbial) sea"--cold comfort to a lonely son. Ego's only companion is an anxious alien girl named Mantis (Pom Klementieff), an empath who has been deprived of prior social interaction. Mantis is little more than a pet to Ego; her job is to "help him sleep", and she has never known her own natural family. Her place with Ego speaks more to the celestial's ambivalence, contrary to his claims to try to understand the meaning of life. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 further explores the vicious sibling rivalry between Gamora and her sister, Nebula (Karen Gillan). This subplot centers around Nebula trying to best her sister, in order to prove that she is worthy to her father (Thanos) who doesn't love or respect her, and even tortures her when she fails to please him. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 also explores a kind of emotional symmetry between Rocket and Yondu; both have put up a mask to shield themselves from unresolved feelings of abandonment by their creators, hiding their pain under sarcasm and bitterness. The resolution of this crisis leads to a touching reunion between Peter and Yondu, and speaks to a relationship between the two men which is more like that of a son and a stepfather; Yondu is the true guardian of the boy, teaching him by way of his heart and not just his blood.
Recommended for: Fans of an exciting and sometimes heartfelt space adventure, with lots of laughs, lasers, and choice selections of classic rock hits giving depth to the awe-inspiring set pieces. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is more introspective than its predecessor, but explores many meaningful themes about family and what it means to be a "guardian".
Unlike its predecessor, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 feels less like a film intended to set the stage for Thanos, the MCU's death-dealing titan, than a story about exploring Peter's past, his roots, and the role that a parent (or guardian) has in a child's upbringing. The film also seeks to define what a "family" is or isn't, and how that is relevant (or not) where blood is concerned. An introductory flashback around the time of Peter Quill's conception in Missouri, 1980 intimates the suspicious true intentions of Ego. As in the comics, Ego is a "celestial"--as he puts it, a god with a lower-case "g". Kurt Russell's "nice guy" persona is disarmingly played to full effect in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. He is like the dad we all wish we had--cool and comforting, with a warm smile and a consoling voice. After he reveals to Peter that he is his father, Ego invites him to live with him on his massive planet (he and the planet are one and the same), and it is like a dream come true. There is even a moment where Ego teaches Peter how to harness the same kind of immortal power they share, which plays out like a game of catch between father and son in the proverbial backyard. But there is an inescapable sense of betrayal and abandonment that lingers, and is captured perfectly in their interactions. This exists as an invisible barrier between them--an "unspoken thing", as Peter is fond of saying. Peter confronts Ego with his pain; Ego's response is to make an analogy by quoting lines from one of Peter's mother's favorite songs, "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)", performed by Looking Glass. As a self-styled god, he speaks in large, detached metaphors about the "vastness of the (proverbial) sea"--cold comfort to a lonely son. Ego's only companion is an anxious alien girl named Mantis (Pom Klementieff), an empath who has been deprived of prior social interaction. Mantis is little more than a pet to Ego; her job is to "help him sleep", and she has never known her own natural family. Her place with Ego speaks more to the celestial's ambivalence, contrary to his claims to try to understand the meaning of life. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 further explores the vicious sibling rivalry between Gamora and her sister, Nebula (Karen Gillan). This subplot centers around Nebula trying to best her sister, in order to prove that she is worthy to her father (Thanos) who doesn't love or respect her, and even tortures her when she fails to please him. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 also explores a kind of emotional symmetry between Rocket and Yondu; both have put up a mask to shield themselves from unresolved feelings of abandonment by their creators, hiding their pain under sarcasm and bitterness. The resolution of this crisis leads to a touching reunion between Peter and Yondu, and speaks to a relationship between the two men which is more like that of a son and a stepfather; Yondu is the true guardian of the boy, teaching him by way of his heart and not just his blood.
Recommended for: Fans of an exciting and sometimes heartfelt space adventure, with lots of laughs, lasers, and choice selections of classic rock hits giving depth to the awe-inspiring set pieces. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is more introspective than its predecessor, but explores many meaningful themes about family and what it means to be a "guardian".