With its star-studded cast enhanced by Kurt Russell, both young and old(er), as the main co-star and Sylvester Stallone making a quick cameo performance (aka Dredd), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Like many action movie sequels, special effects are a huge component of the movie, swarms of enemy drone fighters and the grand battle scene in the finale being the highlights of the film.
The main plot splits down into different storylines as tension rises. Star-Lord, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), is saved by what turns out to be his father, Ego (Kurt Russell) and is delighted that he has finally found his real family; but all is not as it seems and trouble awaits. Meanwhile, Gamora (Zoe Sladana) tries to patch things up with her competitive and vengeful sister. Of course, while this is all happening, raccoon Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Groot are entangled in a messy situation with the returning baddy, Ravager Yondu (Michael Rooker.)
Every scene comes caked in rainbows, glitter, gunge and bubble mixture: if there had been a cost-effective way to stick dried pasta shapes and pipe cleaners to every cinema screen showing the thing, director James Gunn would have probably reached for his glue spreader.
-- The Telegraph
In general, GotG2 brings elements of bawdy comedy, appealing to the more mature audience. While it’s rated PG13, but there isn’t any inappropriate content throughout the film. Baby Groot and his cute interactions with the raccoon brings lots of comic relief, and the reappearance of the Walkman offers a great and nostalgic soundtrack.
All in all, this film is a must-see for the die-hard Marvel fans and definitely one to watch for mum and dad, if only to keep the kids happy (and quiet) for two hours.
The Critics Say
On Rotten Tomatoes, the critical consensus reads, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's action-packed plot, dazzling visuals, and irreverent humor add up to a sequel that's almost as fun—if not quite as thrillingly fresh—as its predecessor." While Manohla Dargis at The New York Times said the film "certainly has its attractions, but most of them are visual rather than narrative." Also, Owen Gleiberman of Variety wrote that "The new movie is flush with what a big deal it is. Ironically, that makes it a smaller deal." Writing for Forbes, Scott Mendelson commented that "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is all about family, about how everyone - even a god - seeks to overcome loneliness and find a sense of purpose in their lives, to connect with someone and share a common experience that helps us transcend who and what we are."
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be released on digital download on August 8, and on Blu-ray on August 22.
