Jeri Jacquin
Finally arriving in a theatre near you are our favorite
heroes as writer/director James Gunn, Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures
bring GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2!
Zipping through the galaxy once again being heroes, Peter
Quill aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista),
Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) are helping
Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) keep their power source from being stolen.
After an epic saving, their reward is the one thing Gamora
has been wanting – her sister Nebula (Karen Gillan). On their way out the door,
Rocket can’t help but grab a few power capsules thinking no one will miss them.
Not even out of range, Ayesha and her people attack Quill’s
ship and they may not get a chance to jump through space. That is until an
unusual craft assists them right before they manage to escape only to crash
land tearing up the ship. Moments later, the same craft lands as Ego (Kurt
Russell) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) introduce themselves.
Shocking Quill a tad is the announcement that Ego is his
father. Trying to explain everything, Ego convinces Quill to come with him
where all will be revealed. Taking Drax and Gamora, Rocket stays behind to
repair the ship and babysit Nebula.
Also looking for the guardians is Yondu (Michael Rooker) as
Ayesha makes it known she wants them all. Even that goes into chaos when Yondu
and Rocket come together to put a traitorous band in its place.
Landing on Ego’s planet, it is a beautiful place and the
story of what happened between Ego and Peter’s mother Meredith is explained.
Peter also learns that he is the son of a god with powers he can call upon.
Gamora knows there is something not right about it all, especially with Mantis
seemly secretive.
As the story begins show its true meaning, Peter is joined
by Gamora, Rocket, Yondu and Nebula along with Baby Groot to set things right
again but not without great cost.
That’s not about to stop the Guardians!
Pratt as Quill has this role down to perfection. He covers
everything from a hero to a kid needing to know who his father is and
everything in between. With his Guardian family he knows they accept him for
all his idiosyncrasies and the penchant for his mixed tapes (which we all
are!). I just love watching Pratt go for it every moment he is on screen and
listening to everyone cheer for their favorite Star-Lord.
Saldana as Gamora is keeping her emotions in check with
Quill and even more so with a sister who is driving her crazy. Trusting her
instincts about everything she gang is going through, it becomes clear that the
history with Nebula is something that has always needed to be talked about. Oh
sisters – they can hate each other but one good brawl always sets things right.
Cooper voicing Rocket is arrogant, guarded, hilarious and
yet has a soft spot for all his guardian buddies. He may be a Guardian but he
still has his old habits that need to be kicked. Diesel as the voice of Baby
Groot, I mean really, what can else can be said here about the awesomeness that
is Groot. “I am Groot” – we’re done!
Bautista as Drax has a chance to really show serious comedy
here although what he laughs at isn’t as funny until he laughs about it. He is
the powerhouse the group needs and he doesn’t hesitate to stand up for his
buddies. I love the scenes between Drax and Mantis. Klementieff as Mantis is
endearing, sweet and giggly funny.
Debicki as Ayesha is clearly a woman who has anger and power
issues. Gillan as Nebula tries to work on her anger issues but when you’ve been
angry as long as she has, it’s difficult.
Rooker as Yondu brings his blue-ness back to irritate Quill
and the gang. It is the scenes with Yondu and Rocket that are pretty amazing.
This is a role that looks so easy for Rooker to play because he has a swagger
that is distinctive and an attitude that would give anyone pause.
Russell as Ego is always a thrill to see. Nothing seems to
be slowing this actor down and being the god/father to Quill finally gets to
tell the whole story – and I mean the whole story. Russell gives us the
charm and flashy smile to bring us into his world and I don’t mind visiting at
all.
Other cast include Sean Gunn as Kraglin, Tommy Flanagan as
Tullk, Laura Haddock as Meredith Quill, Chris Sullivan as Taserface and
Sylvester Stallone as Stakar Ogord.
TUBS OF POPCORN: I give GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2 five
tubs of popcorn out of five. I mean seriously, would you expect anything less?
I am not always on board to all things in the Marvel Universe but the Guardians
franchise is definitely worth every second on screen.
This ensemble has brought a uniqueness that I enjoy with
characters that are relatable with their flaws, awesome in their
survival/fighting skills, care for one another, humor and how each one protects
Baby Groot. Come on, you know that’s cute! The special effects are just amazing
and add to the story instead of being used to just dazzle.
I am purposely being vague about the film because I had such
a fun time that I want everyone who sees it to have a great time as well. This
is an event, truly, and groups of people should see the film together. Grab
everyone and make it a movie night to remember.
It must be said that the soundtrack for GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Vol. 2 is just as frakken awesome as the first film. There is no way,
absolutely no way to not tap a foot or even sing along because each song fits
the scene perfectly. Everyone in the audience during the screening was so into
the music which made it all even more fantastic of a time.
I don’t know what you are doing this weekend but if it’s not
seeing GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2 then you must be in traction! This film
is funny, action packed, endearing, hilarious, and yes Baby Groot steals every scene
he is in – I mean is that shocking? Hardly.
In the end – you only get one chance to save the galaxy
twice!
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