The Guardians of the Galaxy was a surprise hit in 2014 because not many people are familiar with the comics surrounding these five mavericks. As I walked out of the theater after watching the first movie, I was surprised and entertained by the chemistry between all of the five characters and the humor was consistent throughout which supports the action sequences. The climactic action sequence reminded me a lot of Star Wars because I had that feel of excitement and fun that was transparent to my experience of watching a Star Wars film of watching entertaining characters be in that action and surrounded by all the colorful special effects.
Now, we have this sequel and now we have loved both the cast and characters, many fans were craving for this. I have to admit I have seen the first movies about three or four more times and it gets more enjoyable. However, comedy or superhero sequels, with the exception of the Captain America films, do not do as well. Unfortunately, this movie is not quite as good or as tight as the original, however, I still had fun with the characters and some of the action.
This movie takes months after the events of the first movie as the Guardians - Peter Quill/Starlord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) are being chased by the Sovereign race because Rocket has stolen some batteries that he was supposed to bring back to them. The High Priestess, Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) was initially pleased that they brought back the Anulax Batteries from their latest employers and they exchanged them for Gamora's sister, Nebula (Karen Gillan). But, Rocket is still a thief.
However, the Guardians are saved by Ego (Kurt Russell), the Living Planet, who turns out to be Peter Quill's father. With his assistant, Mantis (Pom Klementieff), at his side, they welcome Drax, Peter and Gamora as Rocket and Groot are standing by on their damaged ship. Meanwhile, Yondu (Michael Rooker) and his crew of Ravagers are hired by Ayesha to capture the Guardians. However, a Ravager named Taserface (Chris Sullivan) leads a mutiny against Yondu after Yondu says he resists to turn Peter in. So, he and Nebula take Yondu, Groot and Rocket prisoner.
This movie is the epitome is like being served a plate of chocolate-chip cookies. Even though the cookies are really scrumptious and chewy, there were too many for one serving. This sequel is the same energetic and humorous tone that the first one had but there was a bit too much and it sometimes play like a roller coaster. The execution is a bit meandering as the screenplay solely relies on jokes, some are hit-and-miss, and the action sequences have to save the first half-hour. But, when Yondu is introduced into the movie, the movie gets going and then when we spend time with Kurt Russell and Chris Pratt as a father-and-son combo, then it gets more interesting. Their chemistry is quite good. And, then the action in its final act becomes more exciting and surprisingly, emotionally driven.
There are solid performances are quite good across the board, except, then I did not feel the edgy dialogue and exchanges as much when they are separated for a major portion of the movie. Chris Pratt still cracks jokes and makes some hilarious remarks towards Gamora and also bringing up pop references, Zoe Saldana is still seductively bad-ass as the green-colored assassin who rejects his advances and becomes a part of the action, Dave Bautista, I think, is the best of the Guardians who actually inhabits himself as more of a character than a caricature who is solely titled as a puncher. Rocket Raccoon still makes some good quips and there is enough Baby Groot in the movie that you can glance at for his cuteness and also being robust. (The exchange between Rocket and Baby Groot about the bomb is hilarious.) But, it is Michael Rooker who is the highlight of the movie that inhabits both the quirkiness and also care towards Peter. He is great and he delivers one of his best performances.
Director James Gunn made a solid movie but it is not one that will be talked about for many ages to come, though, because, he made more a comic-book stylized film that is visually striking. However, the plot (which I will not give away) is not as interesting and it becomes a bit dire. But, the theme of family saves the movie because it is great to see a myriad of different aliens come together to defeat a madman who wants to perform his task. And, then the action sequences become exciting and then the movie surprisingly punches you in the gut when the movie is over. The soundtrack this time around is hit-and-miss on being placed in certain scenes, but it is palpable. This sequel offers a lot of extravagant comic-book flair and it becomes overstuffed in certain areas, but it is delightful and touching to kick the summer season not quite into high gear, but a good start.
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