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Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Mike Tyrkus

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 immediately establishes its tone with a riotously funny opening sequence that features Baby Groot (voiced again by Vin Diesel) dancing, or it could be prancing depending on your temperament, to Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” as the rest of the Guardians battle a giant monster with tentacles who is tearing apart their ship. It’s a great sequence that is not only visually stunning and a ton of fun to watch, but it succeeds in effortlessly thrusting you back into the world of the Guardians and flawlessly reintroducing the first film’s characters. It’s a thrilling start to one of those rare sequels that’s just as enjoyable as its predecessor, and some may say better for it.

This second chapter, or volume, as the film’s title puts it, follows Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), and Drax (Dave Bautista) as they are once again called upon to save the galaxy. This time, shortly after the events of the first film, the threat manifests as Peter’s estranged father Ego, played with macho bravado by Kurt Russell. Of course, Ego has a much more cynical view of the universe than his half-human offspring and sports a very narrow view of the role those other than himself play in it (hence the subtlety of his name). This rather hefty character flaw leads to estrangement between father and son as the former seems hell bent on, among other things, killing most of the people the son cares about.

The Guardians’ ranks grow a bit this time around with the addition of new character Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and the transition of old characters Yondu (Michael Rooker) and Nebula (Karen Gillian) from villains to heroes (well, sort of on the later). There are numerous side stories at play here (as there were in the first film). Yondu must deal with a mutiny of his band of space gangsters. Similarly, Nebula reconnects (at least on some level) with her sister. Of course, the relationship between Peter and Gamora continues to have its ups and downs. These characters, and more, are the heart and soul of the Guardians films (and the more successful Marvel entries as well).

Writer/director James Gunn continues to be one of the more comfortable filmmakers working within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) these days. His new film moves along at a comfortable, entertainingly brisk pace and never really lets up during its two-hour plus running time. Despite its dense storyline and numerous new character introductions, older character shout-outs, as well as subtle (and some not so much) setups for future MCU movies, Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 succeeds by simply being fun and entertaining. Everyone involved seems to be having a great time and that’s infectious – but in a good way. While the film’s plot can get a bit convoluted on occasion, as did the first installment, Gunn quickly reigns things in and guides the action along with such ease, and his characters are so effortlessly likeable, that any of the film’s foibles are hardly worth bringing up. But perhaps Gunn’s greatest accomplishment here is his work with cinematographer Henry Braham to expand on and better the vivacious and vivid world he created for his characters the first time around. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a visual treat that surpasses its predecessor in several ways and leaves you eagerly anticipating the third volume in the series.

Rocket and Baby Groot in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

While Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 can feel as though it may be too much movie at times, it never turns oppressive. There’s a certain amount of spontaneity and freshness that makes this a rare superhero film that is simply a fine film all to itself. Also, be sure to stay through the credits to catch the five additional sequences that will not only entertain but will surely leave the comic book devotees among the audience on the edge of their seats waiting for future films.

Mike Tyrkus

Editor in Chief at CinemaNerdz.com
An independent filmmaker, co-writer and director of over a dozen short films, the Editor in Chief of CinemaNerdz.com has spent much of the last three decades as a writer and editor specializing in biographical and critical reference sources in literature and the cinema, beginning in February 1991 reviewing films for his college newspaper. He was a member of the Detroit Film Critics Society, as well as the group's webmaster and one-time President for over a decade until the group ceased to exist. His contributions to film criticism can be found in Magill's Cinema Annual, VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever (of which he was the editor for nearly a decade until it too ceased to exist), the International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers, and the St. James Film Directors Encyclopedia (on which he collaborated with editor Andrew Sarris). He has also appeared on the television program Critic LEE Speaking alongside Lee Thomas of FOX2 and Adam Graham, of The Detroit News. He currently lives in the Detroit area with his wife and their dogs.

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