Review: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ is fun, fast, and fabulous
Secret ending? 5 (inclusive of 1 that starts before the credits roll)
Running time: 136 minutes (about 2.25 hours)
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is an American superhero film in English. It is the sequel to 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”, and the fifteenth instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The film revolves around a group of superheroes who are based in outer space. When a mysterious stranger arrives, claiming to be Peter Quill’s father, the Guardians of the Galaxy go on a quest to uncover his true parentage. Unfortunately, they also have to deal with the attention of the leader of a powerful race of golden humanoid aliens, too.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is written and directed by James Gunn. It stars Chris Pratt (Star-Lord/Peter Quill), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Vin Diesel (voice of Baby Groot), Bradley Cooper (voice of Rocket), Michael Rooker (Yondu Udonta), Karen Gilian (Nebula), Pom Klementief (Mantis), Elizabeth Debicki (Ayesha), Chris Sullivan (Taserface), Sylvester Stallone (Starhawk/Stakar Ogord), Kurt Russell (Ego), with a cameo by Stan Lee. It is rated PG13.
The sequel takes everything that was good about the first film and dials it up a notch, giving us an adventure that’s funnier and faster than the first. Even though the public is much more familiar with the Guardians of the Galaxy now (they’re like the Avengers in outer space), the film hasn’t forgotten its loyal comic book fan supporters. It throws in multiple references (such as a particular anthropomorphic fowl) and homages (Yondu’s larger head fin) to cater to all audiences.
Highlights
An epic threat
Since the film is set in outer space, it’s natural that the Guardians of the Galaxy would have to contend with cosmic-level threats. And, after dealing with the theft of Infinity Stone in the previous movie, you’d think that there wouldn’t be any obstacle worthy and significant enough to truly warrant their attention.
That’s where “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” proves you wrong. The threat is just as dire, if not more so, and the film shows you just how disastrous the consequences could be. It also has a well-rounded villain that increases the personal stakes for our heroes as well.
Builds on the relationships from the previous film
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” follows up on the events on the previous film, and continues their plot threads. However, it doesn’t leave new audiences in the dust – it always provides an explanation so that you aren’t left confused by the relationships between the characters. It deftly weaves between the characters and shows us how their feelings toward each other have evolved.
Hilarious
The film is literally laugh-a-minute, with the jokes flying in fast. The banter is as colourful as the planets and starships that the Guardians traipse across, and it all comes together as a seamless whole. The posters and trailers promise a fun experience, and the film certainly meets those expectations and more.
Fast-paced
The film also zips by at an upbeat pace, with action scenes and crucial revelations keeping you engaged. Exposition is skilfully weaved into what at first seem like throwaway lines or character-based jokes, ensuring that the important information is delivered without boring you. In fact, there are almost no dull moments. Even pensive, quiet scenes have you wondering what will happen next.
Letdown
The ’80s music motif doesn’t work as well
For the purposes of this story and this film, the ‘80s music motif doesn’t work as well. It seems to be more of a calling card for Star-Lord rather than being a natural fit for this plot. It can get a little intrusive and contrived at times, even if they serve a plot purpose. However, it is executed with bright colour and energetic enthusiasm, so it works by making the film seem fabulous in a retro sense.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is as fun and fast-paced as the trailers promised, and a fabulous experience too.
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this more than once? No.
Score: 3.9/5
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” opens in cinemas:
– 27 April, 2017 (Singapore)
– 27 April, 2017 (Malaysia)
– 26 April, 2017 (Philippines)
Marcus Goh is a Singapore television scriptwriter, having written for Police & Thief, Incredible Tales, Crimewatch, and Point of Entry. He’s also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find him on social media as Optimarcus and on his site. The views expressed are his own.
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‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2’ Blasts Off With $6.6M On Day 1 At International Box Office
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