What was once one of Marvel’s biggest gambles, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ is back for round 2 (or Volume 2 as the case may be). The original’s combination of humor, nostalgic music, and action-packed space adventure made it a surprise hit when it came out and Volume 2 strives to recapture the magic by upping the ante. The sequel takes all the elements that made the first one successful and dives deeper into the characters and relationships that were only hinted at in the original. While I can’t say this was an unqualified success in raising the bar from the previous one, I did thoroughly enjoy it as the Marvel machine continues to produce movies the public wants to see and more impressively, keeping the continuity of their shared universe intact as they pass 16 films.
The whole group of intergalactic misfits are back with Peter Quill aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) and Gamora’s (Zoe Saldana) sexual tension leading the way. However, the film’s plot centers around Quill finally discovering his long lost father Ego (played with nostalgic greatness by Kurt Russell). Where the original film dealt more with these unique individuals meeting and becoming family, Volume 2 deals with each Guardian’s backstory and the relationships that made them what they are. Characters that were 2 dimensional villains in the original now gain some of our sympathy as we realize what forces made them what they are. Director James Gunn doubles down on the 70’s soundtrack and packs pop culture cameos and references throughout. If you are a fan of Easter eggs, this film has them scattered throughout. More than any other Marvel film I’ve seen,
The one complaint I may have is that the film walks, and sometimes stumbles, along the fine line of becoming a cartoon. The opening sequence of the team battling a space monster on behalf of a race called The Sovereign is a fun way to reacquaint the audience with the team’s dynamic, but it sets the tone for its’ campish and cartoonish feel. Part of Marvel’s magic formula comes from injecting just enough reality to suspend ones disbelief that you are watching a comic book. A small complaint, but one worth noting.
The film opens with the Guardians doing monster clean up duty for a golden race called The Sovereign. After offending the very race they were working for, the group once again becomes pursued outcasts which leads them to encountering Peter’s long lost father, Ego. Kurt Russell embodies the mortal form of what is essentially a living planet. While all the characters from the comics are in here, they are used differently as Ego, the Living Planet, was not Peter’s father in Marvel comics lore. Something that comic purists such as myself have gotten used to is that the MCU has it’s own canon which is different than the traditional stories we grew up with. Of course, in typical super hero fashion, if something is too good to be true it usually is. Ego’s beatific planet (self) hides a dark secret and motive which threatens the Galaxy
The most interesting parts of the movie for me were the sub-plots that developed the characters. Yondu's (Michael Rooker) backstory in particular was given much attention as we realize that he may not be the complete scoundrel we thought. His backstory included a respectful call out to the previous comics iteration of The GOTG with Sylvester Stallone taking on the role of Yondu’s former leader and mentor Stakar (aka StarHawk). Nebula and Gamora’s sister relationship was also explored, but no real surprises were revealed and Nebula was played so over-the-top that I felt it lost some of its’ impact. I was majorly disappointed that Thanos still has not been introduced more than he has and, aside from a few side mentions, was completely absent from this film.
Guardians of the Galaxy was never my favorite comic, but the film delivers what it promises. A good pop corn munching adventure with Marvels trademark balance of humor and action. Despite it’s scope this series will always be tertiary to Marvel’s earth bound heroes, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fun ride. Make sure you stay for the five (count ‘em five) mid and post trailer scenes. One in particular teases the introduction of a character fans have been waiting for for years. No more spoilage than that.
I give this film *** 1/2 stars
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