Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2
2nd May 2017
Photo: Ian West/PA Wire/PA Images
Laughter. Fights. Adorableness. Just three words to sum up the new Marvel film – the hotly anticipated sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy.
The theme of the film focusses on family and its values, with our heroes; Star-Lord (Peter Quill) played by Chris Pratt, Gamora played by Zoe Saldana, Drax played by Dave Bautista, Rocket voiced by Bradley Cooper and Baby Groot voiced by Vin Diesel, starting to look and feel more like one large dysfunctional family. The main cast give strong performances as always, making it feel like the Guardians have never been away.
The special effects are outstanding, as they should be for a film set in space. The colours and dimensions of Ego’s planet (Peter Quill’s absentee father, played brilliantly by Kurt Russell) in particular stand out which is lucky as this where most of the film’s plot takes place. Another memorable use of special effects is a scene where Rocket, Baby Groot and Yondu (Michael Rooker) are ‘jumping’ through different locations to get to Ego’s planet to rescue the others.
The theme may focus on family but the tone of the film feels familiar to the first film at times with the jokes the characters make. However there is some character development; we see Drax be more relaxed, laughing and enjoying himself whilst still keeping his original charm of being completely literal. We also see more of Yondu and Nebula (Karen Gillan) learning more of their backstories which adds to the theme of family; we see previously secondary characters take on a bigger role and therefore become part of the Guradians’ family.
All this is accompanied by an awesome soundtrack. Guardians of the Galaxy, perhaps more than any other film, is known just as much for its soundtrack as it is for the plot. Of course it helps that music is a big part of Quill’s storyline however the use of the music in the Guardians films is incredible. Using songs many of us may have heard ourselves helps to make the characters relatable to us, as well as making the whole movie more fun.
Special mention to Baby Groot who almost steals the entire movie. His big, wide eyes and innocence is adorable and in a strange way helps to kickstart the theme of “family” as every single one of the Guardians help to protect and look after him. His dancing in the opening credits makes him almost one of us, you could even say that we are taking part in the film through Baby Groot, as he mainly watches the others fight from the sidelines, though he does of course get his moment to shine in the big battle against Ego.
All in all Volume 2 lives up to the original Guardians of the Galaxy film. It is very enjoyable to watch, you’ll get emotional at times, but most of all you will laugh and smile. Definitely a film to go and see!
