Taking place four months after the original Guardians of the Galaxy, Peter Quill and the rest of the Guardians have to take on a bad guy that hits a bit too close to home.
It’s very rare that a sequel equals/surpasses the original, especially when it comes to comic book movies. But over the years Marvel has proven that they have a way of upping their sequel game. James Gunn does a masterful job when it comes to crafting his characters and giving them time to not only develop but also flourish and grow from credit to credit. Throughout Vol. 2 Gunn tackles a slew of issues, from acceptance, paternal bonds, friendship, and family as he delves into story lines that, in lesser hands, might have come across as “less than authentic” or “cliché”. But with Gunn they feel organic, which is even more impressive when it comes from a talking raccoon.
The original cast is in top form as the little rag tag group that could (and does). Add in the talents of people like Kurt Russell, Sylvester Stallone and Tommy Flanagan and the credibility vaults to new heights.
The paternal interactions between Chris Pratt’s ‘Peter Quill’ and Kurt’s ‘Ego’ is nothing short of extraordinary, but it is ultimately the heartbreak you feel for Michael Rooker’s ‘Yondu’ that allows Vol. 2 to leave a lasting impression. Gunn gives each of his characters a beautiful story arc that pushes their acting, challenging them to channel their inner soul and bring a sense of heart and emotion to the comedic/sci-fi/superhero flick.
Gun refuses to forge an easy path, offering up legit, heartfelt answers to some of the most burning questions from both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. The characters themselves are fictional but you feel for them as they navigate space with a sense of purpose, drawing you in.
The “comic book movie burnout” complaint is ofter uttered anytime a Marvel or DC film is announced. Though the argument is valid it doesn’t serve a purpose here. Like any genre as long as a film is good, the movie is going to be what we need. From James Gunn’s stellar directing to Chris Pratt’s acting and the annoying perfect soundtrack that accompanies the gang of galaxy protectors, Marvel Studios continues to deliver quality as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a straight up great film!
