Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is another fun loving, entertaining piece of cinema that follows on greatly from its original.
The story of the guardians continues, with Starlord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) working together in some sort of harmony, battling to keep evil from residing in different galaxies. James Gunn is back to direct, having written both the first and second installments of this new Marvel favourite. The opening scene begins with the same humour that the closing scene of the first film entails, with baby Groot dancing to another 80’s classic, which gives off a feel good vibe for the viewers.
This journey focuses more on Starlord’s/Peter Quill’s background and where he really came from, something that was never really addressed in the first installment. A number of storylines wrap into one, while Starlord finds out who his father is and who he truly is as a person, rivalry continues between Gamora and her sister Nebula, a chronic villain determined to tarnish and kill her sibling due to a pain inflicting past that only she was the victim of. Nebula takes it as far as travelling across the galaxy to seek her revenge, taking down and imprisoning some of our favourite guardians in the process.
Running alongside this, Yondu, a lovable blue thief, returns with his deadly flying arrow that can be controlled by a whistle but he is however, disowned by his coven for breaking numerous codes, leaving him at a loose end, not knowing where to turn, when unsuspectingly, he finds solace in Rocket, the genetically mutated reject who sparks more anger and aggression in this film compared to the last, most of it aimed towards Starlord which we later find out is linked to an ongoing build up of jealousy.
The same type of humour and stylised visuals is used, which is refreshing as the feeling the last film gave could have easily been lost and caught up in previous successes. The subtle adult humour is enough for comprehending adults to have a sneaky giggle while younger audiences innocently continue watching the Tom and Jerry-esque antics.
The CGI throughout the film is questionable in terms of how realistic it is, but it raises the argument that it isn’t supposed to look realistic. It’s supposed to be exaggerated, almost cartoon like or like a baby has gone wild with crayons but that is the style it has established and one it must stick to, which it does greatly but almost too fondly. Every scene seems to be enriched with garish amounts of colour which at times is nauseating and makes the viewer wonder how boring it must be for an actor to film non-stop in front of a green screen, as that is what appears to have happened. Despite this, compliments go to Gunn for his creativity and originality on the sets, creatures and other beings that are featured. Even though some are outrageous and emulate those found in Star Wars, it’s still refreshing to see animatronics, prosthetics and good old make-up used to create weird and wonderful species when so many films are resorting to lazy CGI.
All of the storylines come together when Ego (Kurt Russell), Starlord’s father, admits he is intrinsically obsessed with the idea of taking over each and every planet by making them his own genetically. This is the reason he has seeked out Starlord, hoping he will have carried the same genetics and power which could aid him in Universal domination. Shocking revelations spill, turning Starlord, the softest and most compassionate of the guardians, into a frenzy of anger.
Despite the humour and slightly more censored language, this film doesn’t fail at creating tear jerking moments with real heartfelt emotion that engulfs the viewer.
The film as a whole is funny, fun-loving and attractive for a number of audiences, drawing in lovers of sci-fi and fantasy while injecting a shot of compassion and relatability with its inclusion of characters that numerous people can associate with. Starlord, the compassionate and outgoing one wanting to be known. Gamora, the all-empowering female with sense and faultless intuition. Drax, the seemingly autistic giant whose honesty has no reins. Rocket, the wild and reckless comedian seeking to feel love and finally Groot, the cute and courageous one who says nothing but “I am Groot” through out the film but is still understandable.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable film that will appeal to children and thrill seeking adults, as well as those wanting a bit of an adrenaline rush. With it’s epic star battles, gun fights and intergalactic exploration, it’s not something that’ll disappoint.