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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 poster

CAST
CHRIS PRATT
ZOE SALDANA
DAVE BAUTISTA
BRADLEY COOPER (VOICE OF)
ELIZABETH DEBICKI
VIN DIESEL (VOICE OF)
TOMMY FLANAGAN
KAREN GILLAN
SEAN GUNN
POM KLEMENTIEFF
MICHAEL ROOKER
KURT RUSSELL
SYLVESTER STALLONE
CHRIS SULLIVAN

BASED ON THE MARVEL COMIC BOOK BY
DAN ABNETT
ANDY LANNING

SCREENPLAY BY
JAMES GUNN

PRODUCED BY
KEVIN FEIGE

DIRECTED BY
JAMES GUNN

GENRE
ACTION
ADVENTURE
SCIENCE FICTION

RATED
AUS:M
UK:12A
USA:PG-13

RUNNING TIME
136 MIN

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 (2017)

Fathers and sons, gods and men, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 features these and much more in a wisecracking, rock n rolling, heart-warming sequel.

In the realm of comic book movies, Guardians of the Galaxy was a game changer. Unlike properties such as Captain America or Thor who had long infiltrated the mainstream, Guardians… went out into an unsuspecting world and surprised many with its personality and visual zaniness. A motser was made at the box office, Chris Pratt became a movie star, and the position of Marvel Studios was strengthened with one of its lesser known properties proving to be a winner.

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Naturally, expectations are high for its sequel, the suitably titled Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. With writer/director James Gunn back to take the reins and another rocking collection of tunes playing soundtrack (along with original compositions from Tyler Banks), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 meets those expectations as a fun, energetic and surprisingly touching sci-fi adventure with lots of family drama to go alongside creative and lively action scenes.

The film begins with the loveable Guardians - Peter Quill / Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) – on the run from “The Sovereign”, a pristine and prissy alien race led by Ayesha (Elizabeth Debikci). On the verge of imminent destruction, the Guardians are saved by Ego (Kurt Russell) a mysterious cosmic being who is also Quill’s long absent biological father. Yet this family reunion brings with it much in the way of suspicion, as the Guardians find themselves being torn apart by forces they can only defeat together as a family.

From that plot summary, it is evident that a major theme in … Vol. 2 is that of family. Father and son, sister and sister, and even those non-biological bonds that can display even more strength and loyalty when compared to blood relations. It’s a theme that when in the wrong hands can be portrayed as over sentimental and tacky. Yet Gunn handles the subject with the right amount of emotional pull and intrigue. This is especially evident in the relationship between Quill and Ego, and asks: Is a father simply a figure who shares a genetic connection? Or is he a figure of leadership, mentorship, influence, and yes, even friendship? The way Gunn handles such a topic within the sphere of a big budget comic book movie is to be commended, and just might bring on a few tears.

But of course this is a sci-fi action movie, and when compared amongst the ever growing and ever impressive additions to the comic book movie cannon, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is up there on the list. Vibrant, personable, and fun, fun, fun, the tone and essence that Gunn established in the first movie is felt again in its sequel without feeling repetitive. Performances from all involved are of top quality, with special mention to older stalwarts Kurt Russell and his glorious mane, and Michael Rooker who brings surprising depth to the role of grizzly bandit Yondu. Choice cameos from the likes of Sylvester Stallone and other action heroes is a bonus, and will hopefully lead to a spin-off movie of sorts.

Recently, news broke of Gunn’s commitment to a third Guardians of the Galaxy movie. A high bar has been set, yet with results like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, there is confidence that Gunn and his cohorts can strike lightning for a third time.

****

 

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