IN THE LOST LANDS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to On Demand from director Paul W.S. Anderson and Vertical Entertainment based on a short story by George R.R. Martin is the tale IN THE LOST LANDS.

Grays Alys (Milla Jovovich) is a witch who is in the clutches of religious fanatic The Enforcer Ash (Arly Jover), who serves The Patriarch Johan (Fraser James). There is chaos in this land of destruction and chaos. Ruling this desolate kingdom is The Overlord and The Queen (Amara Okereke) but there is tension between The Overlord and The Patriarch. Ash is furious when Grays Alys manages to escape and is pushed to recapture her once again.

In her own stronghold, Grays Alys is visited by The Queen who wants to make a wish knowing the witch can not refuse. Wanting a power that lives in the Lost Lands, she pays Grays Alys for her services. Promptly, an unexpected twist occurs when The Queen’s man Jerais (Simon Loof) makes a wish of his own, that she not do as the Queen wishes. Knowing all of this is complicated, Grays Alys finds Boyce (Dave Bautista) in a local watering hole and hires him as a guide to The Lost Lands where the power resides.

There are only six days before the next full moon that is needed to grant The Queen’s wishes as Grays Alys and Boyce begin their journey. The Patriarch wants Ash to get the witch so that he can dethrone The Overlord and The Queen to take the power. Boyce knows of ways to get to The Lost Lands and looks to the help of friends. The problem is getting to them before The Enforcer Ash does because she is on a mission of total destruction.

Now the race is on to see who will reach The Lost Lands first!

Jovovich as Grays Alys is doing what she does best, creating a badass female character in a world that is filled with chaos and destruction. Embracing that part of her career has always worked well for her and in this film, she is proving once again that these characters are obviously fun to portray. She gets to use witchy actions, is good with weaponry and doesn’t take any guff from anyone – even her co-star. Speaking of Baustia, as Boyce he is a wanderer who doesn’t like to stay in one place to long. Hiring himself out to the witch for a trinket puts him back out wandering but this time with a goal – to get to The Lost Lands. He does warn Grays Alys against going but it goes unheeded.

Jover as The Enforcer is just as crazy as she wants to be. Following her religious fanaticism, she sees Grays Alys as an abomination and must be destroyed. To that end, she is going to chase her down no matter where she goes or what magic she attempts. Jover is pretty darn cool herself, even if she is a little off the rails. James as The Patriarch and the head of the twisted church, his only goal is to plant himself in the highest seat in their land, even if it means taking down an Overlord or two. Okereke as The Queen wants her cake and everyone elses’ too stopping at nothing to make sure nothing stands in her way. Okereke makes a grand Queen and she has a little bit of evil in her as well. Loof as Jerais is the Queen’s man to make things happen, and without a word knows exactly what she wants done!

Other cast include Tue Lunding as The Hammer, Jacek Dzisiewicz as The Overlord, Kamila Klamut as Midwife, Eveline Hall as Old Woman, Nicolas Stone as Kane, Sebastian Stankiewicz as Ross, and Deirdre Mullins as Mara.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well.

IN THE LOST LANDS is a dark story (but then again, I would expect nothing less from George R.R. Martin) that is steeped in magic, power struggles and everyone out for themselves. Grays Alys is a woman with powers that she wishes on no one but yet can’t refuse a wish, even if she wanted to. That is her weight to carry knowing that those who asks things of her are usually greed in nature.

The visuals are exactly what one would expect from a world gone chaotic with those who want to rule and those they abuse by ruling. The religious want the world their way with the hearts and minds in the same chains as the Overlords and the overlords want to get rid of the religious for the same reasons. It seems only Grays Alys and Boyce are the sane ones in their own crazy way. The cast does a really good job of creating characters that I wouldn’t mind seeing again. The film definitely kept my attention with its twists, turns and, honestly, I do love a good yarn!

In the end – it is a world full of secrets!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE LAST SHOWGIRL

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Gia Coppola and Roadside Attractions is the story of the life of THE LAST SHOWGIRL.

Shelly (Pamela Anderson) has spent thirty-years in a show called Razzle Dazzle in Las Vegas as one of its dazzling showgirls. A few of the younger showgirls, Mary-Anne (Brenda Song) and Jodie (Kiernan Shipka) look to Shelly for advice and friendship. Stage manager Eddie (Dave Bautista) keeps the show running like clockwork and the girls where they need to be during performances. Shelly’s best friend Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis) is a cocktail waitress who has the same Las Vegas mileage on her shoes.

Attempting to keep up with the younger dancers, it comes as a shock to her when Eddie finally comes clean to tell the girls that the show will be closing. This is the only life Shelly knows and now she needs to do what she hasn’t done in 30 years, audition for other shows. Life shifts again when Hannah (Billie Lourd) comes to town wanting answers to years of unanswered questions. Shelly is hardly in the mood to deal with it and leans on Annette as they both wonder where the time has gone.

As the show draws to a close, Shelly is going to make sure that everything about her final performance is bathed in the glitter and shine of Las Vegas!

Anderson as Shelly comes across as a showgirl who is happy with her life choices, even if they do not always settle right with others. The show is her life and as thirty years brings it to a close, so does the reality that once was can not be again. I loved watching Anderson take on this character from beginning to end with a bit of a young girls naiveness packaged in a showgirls wake up call. It is a wonderful performance.

Curtis as Annette tries to ignore the problems of a woman working in Las Vegas. Seeing the younger women coming up, their tips are better and the attention focused on them. The friendship with Shelly is one of understanding and realization that they both can not continue in the lights. Lourd as Hannah has a whole magazine rack full of issues and she doesn’t hesitate to throw it all out toward Shelly. Their relationship is complicated and conflicting as Lourd gives her character moments of forgiveness.

Song as Mary-Anne is extraordinary in this role who hasn’t given as much to the stage as Shelly and tries to truly understand how the show ending will effect her. Shipka as Jodie is someone that relies on Shelly for motherly advice and is the opposite of Mary-Anne in that Jodie only sees how the world has an effect on her.

Bautista as Eddie is a rather quiet man who knows how to do his job. He is the only person who doesn’t feel the strain of the show ending but tries to be compassionate in his own unique way toward the girls. The relationship between Shelly and Eddie has its own set of complications as well. Bautista is quiet in nature and a full head of hair so there’s that.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

THE LAST SHOWGIRL has garnered such awards from the San Sebastian International Film Festival with a Special Jury Prize for the cast, Zurich Film Festival’s Golden Eye Award, SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Miami Film Festival and Winter IndieWire Honor Awards for Pamela Anderson, Outstanding Feature Narrative from the Newport Beach Film Festival, and Astra Film Awards.

The film is written by Kate Gersten who takes on the task of telling the story of a woman who has spent the greater part of her life in one show. As the film progresses, it becomes clear what this life has cost the showgirl and Shelly comes to terms with those choices. In an odd way, this is what I would have envisioned the character of Nomi from the 1995 SHOWGIRLS life would have ended up being has she stayed in Las Vegas!

Beautifully shot, the film is also kept quite simple which gives the actors the spotlight perfectly. Each character is given enough time to show how they fit into Shelly’s life while, at the same time, the true story of her life comes into full view. Everything about the film carries with it the air of total believability that this could actually happen to a showgirl. Anderson captures this role and Coppola provides the stage to let the character razzle dazzle one last time. Brava!

In the end -  this is her last call!

 

 

KNOCK AT THE CABIN Brings Shyamalan Suspense

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director M. Knight Shyamalan, Film Nation Entertainment and Universal Pictures are messengers starting with a KNOCK AT THE CABIN.

In a beautifully secluded cabin, family Andrew (Ben Aldridge), Eric (Jonathan Groff) and daughter Wen (Kristen Cui) are having a quiet vacation. While capturing and friending grasshoppers, young Wen meets Leonard (Dave Bautista) who is calm and announces that she and her dads are about to help the world.

Wen takes off to tell her dads what is happening when there is a knock at the cabin door. Andrew and Eric have no intention of letting them in but Leonard makes it clear that they will come in with or without their help – although he would prefer with their help. Once inside, Leonard comes in with Sabrina (Nikki Amuka-Bird), Adriane (Abby Quinn) and Redmond (Rupert Grint).

Each makes their introduction but it is Leonard that expresses why they are there. He tells them that a sacrifice must be made in order to stop an impending apocalypse and lays out how it must happen. Eric and Andrew are horrified at their request and make it clear that they will not comply.

What happens every time they refuse brings them closer and closer to a truth that is unfathomable.  

Bautista as Leonard is the character that immediately bring a tone of the ominous from the very beginning. He brings a presence that is both horrifying and calming in such a way that once his life story is explained, there is an ‘a-ha’ moment to his personality. I must say the choice was a fantastic one because of the duality of who Leonard is and what Leonard is saying. Bautista brings a dazzling hypnotic effect on the audience wanting to believe him and not wanting to believe him. Nicely done!

Aldridge as Andrew is in protect mode from the very beginning. Dealing with his own family and relationship issues, there is something in his past that has set him with a bit of anger. Now, the intruders bring it out full force in him as he tries to understand what is happening and, more importantly, how to get out of it alive. Aldridge brings the intensity full force.

Groff as Eric is the quieter side of the couple taking in everything that is going on around him. He listens and is the taking in what Leonard and the others are saying. Watching and putting the pieces together as he is able, it is Groff’s portrayal of Eric that brings the word ‘hope’ to mind.

Cui as Wen is inquisitive, a bit trusting and wants it all to stop. Remaining close to her dads, Wen is exposed to the horror that Leonard and the others have brought to the cabin. That doesn’t mean she isn’t keenly aware of everything around her because she is also trying to put the adult pieces together.

Amuka-Bird as Sabrina tries to keep things as calm as Leonard does but mainly begs Eric to listen to what they are saying. Amuka-Bird brings a determination to the truth of her character. Quinn as Ardiane is the nervous of the bunch but trusts in what she believes while also keeping the household calm.

The not-so-calming force if Grint as Redmond. He comes in blazing and makes no excuse for it all. He wants things to go smoothly but knows none of what they are saying is easy to hear and believes that what is asked of Andrew and Eric isn’t going to go down the way the group wants. Grint’s character is a departure from that of the AppleTV+ series THE SERVANT (which if you haven’t watched I have to ask – why not?), playing the out-of-control Julian Pearce in another Shyamalan piece worth watching.

Other cast includes McKenna Kerrigan as Andrew’s Mom, Ian Peakes as Andrew’s Father, Denise Nakano as the newscaster, Kittson O’Neill as the BBC Anchor and Billy Vargus as the Seismologist.

Universal Pictures has films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

KNOCK AT THE CABIN is an adaptation of Paul Tremblay’s 2018 novel The Cabin at the End of the World. Shyamalan took an interest after reading the screenplay, rewrote the script and partnered with Universal Pictures.

Coming in at one hour and forty minutes, this is not a fast-paced film nor does it need to be. Bautista’s character of Leonard set the pace and does not deviate from the path his character is on. Yes, it is a race against time but when dealing with human emotions and concepts that are difficult to grasp, the pace means nothing when there are only two outcomes.

I actually like the film because of that simple duality. Yes, there is a brutality that is not ignored and it is continually made clear that inaction has consequences but neither choice can not even be considered by Andrew. Keeping the location to a simple cabin in the woods keeps the audiences’ eyes on the story at hand making it impossible to be distracted or look away.

Am I being too vague, absolutely! We the audience, are equally tied to the chairs and forced to listen and then choose for ourselves and it will lead to many conversations long after the film has ended. That, my friends, is how you tell a story!

In the end – save family or humanity, make a choice!

ESCAPE PLAN: The Extractors Attempts a Dangerous Rescue on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital from director John Herzefeld, writer Miles Chapman and Lionsgate comes an action packed thriller with an ESCAPE PLAN: The Extractors.

Ray Breslin (Sylvester Stallone) is up against it when a Hong Kong Tech’s daughter Daya (Malese Jow) is kidnapped and the man responsible is his ex-partners angry son. Breslin assembles a team when Daya’s lead security man Bao (Harry Shu, Jr.) brings him information and demands to help.

On the team are Trent DeRosa (Dave Bautista) and Hush (Curtis Jackson) and they have to make sure the plan is together with no mistakes. Kidnapping Daya is on the first step in a plan that has many moving parts. Then Breslin’s girlfriend Abagail (Jamie King) is also taken, the stakes get even higher.

Hold up in the Lativan prison called the Devil’s Station, Breslin now realizes that his ex-partner son is sadistic and completely out of his mind making things even more difficult. It doesn’t mean they aren’t going to go down easy!

Stallone as Breslin is a man that takes jobs with a cost but this isn’t about cost, it becomes personal. Wanting to stop the madness, he isn’t about to walk away from anything a crazy madman wants to dish out.

Jow as Daya is a young woman who works for her father’s company. When she is kidnapped, she realizes that it is not just her own life that is in jeopardy. Harry Shu, Jr. as Bao is head of Daya’s security and once she is taken believes that one moment longer will not go by without trying to find her.

Bautista as DeRosa is a big man carrying a big gun and doing it all with a quiet smirky nature. His humor might be slightly lacking but then again he doesn’t look like he cares one little bit. Jackson as Hush has a small role but it doesn’t take him long to find his place on the crew.

Other cast include Devon Sawa as Lester Clark Jr., Max Zhang as Shen, Sergio Rizzuto as Narco, Shea Buckner as Larry, Lydia Hull as Jules, and Tyler Jon Olson as Moe.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000 motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

The Bluray SPECIAL FEATURES include Making ESCAPE PLAN: The Extractors, Commentary with Director John Herzfeld and Actors Sylvester Stallone, Never-Before-Seen Cast and Crew Interviews, Devon Sawa and Daniel Bernhardt as well as the Trailer Gallery.

ESCAPE PLAN: The Extractors is a thrill ride in the style of Stallone! He isn’t about to let the bad guy win no matter how much it hurts in the process of finding him. There are very dark moments yet he still moves forward.

The film itself is very dark in the story telling but yet nothing stops the film once the first scene takes off. It is action, secrets, deception, revenge and redemption all in one film. Stallone leads a fast action cast that goes full force from bang to bullets with even an ending that is full of accountability.

In the end – these stakes are personal!

HOTEL ARTEMIS Has a Unique Clientele

Jeri Jacquin

Coming this Friday from writer/director Drew Pearce and Global Road Entertainment is the story of membership to the exclusive HOTEL ARTEMIS.

It is 2028 and the city of Los Angeles is about to be taken over by riots when the residents decide they’ve had enough. In the middle of the mayhem are two brothers who pick the wrong time to pull a heist.

Shot up and running from the cops, the end up at the Hotel Artemis, an exclusive hotel that caters as a secret and safe place for criminals. Running the floor is The Nurse (Jodie Foster), a woman who clearly has seen the rear-end of life but knows her stuff. She is assisted by the very large Everest (Dave Bautista) who handles anyone that gets out of line.

The Nurse immediately gives the brothers the names Waikiki (Sterling K. Brown) and Honolulu (Brian Henry) according to their suites. Waikiki managed to avoid harm with a kevlar vest but brother Honolulu isn’t so lucky. She immediately goes to work but it definitely is a hot mess.

There are other guests already on the floor with the ever complaining Acapulco (Charlie Day) and the lovely Nice (Sofia Boutella). All The Nurse asks is that the guests have no weapons on the floor, no cops and don’t kill the other guests.

While working on Honolulu, she gets a call from Crosby Franklin (Zachary Quinto), the arrogant offspring of the Hotel Artemis owner Niagara (Jeff Goldblum). He threatens that if anything happens to his father, The Nurse will pay – dearly.

If she didn’t have enough to worry about with a full house, she catches on her camera a young woman calling out her name. Helping her is going to cause problems but it seems The Nurse specializes in solving the unsolvable.

As the riot moves ever closer, the Hotel Artemis starts to break down as the guests get nervous about the outside getting in. Maybe they should worry more about how to get out before that happens!

Foster as The Nurse is absolutely brilliant! I love this character with her frailties, flaws, uncertainties and memories yet she can put a body back together in no time flat. Spending years on this special floor, Foster’s character is run down having seen almost everything – almost. I have always been a fan of Ms. Foster’s (CONTACT is a guilty pleasure) and this character is just stunning.

Brown as Waikiki is dealing with a brother who consistently screws things up, a run in with a former lover and getting the inside scoop on the inner workings of Hotel Artemis. All of that will come in handy when what his brother innocently took turns out to the be one thing that will get them killed. Brown does a remarkable job of being smooth under pressure and never once raises his voice although he certainly has plenty of reason too.

Boutella as Nice is simple a woman who has a job to do and no one or nothing is going to get in her way. Knowing her worth, it is a joy to see her take on the employer! Day as Acapulco is annoying, narcissistic and out for himself – yet he does it so damn well.

Bautista as Everest is a body guard as well as a ‘health care provider’ who shows intense loyalty to The Nurse and doesn’t suffer fools. Knowing what is the right thing and actually doing it doesn’t seem to be an issue for him, he just wants to follow the rules and get through the riot alive.

Goldblum as Niagara has some explaining to do but then again it’s Goldblum, his mere presence tends to be enough for me. Quinto as Crosby needs to be slapped several times but that’s the parent in me talking, and Slate as Morgan shows us that there is more to The Nurse than anyone has ever known.

Other cast include Kenneth Choi as Buke, Josh Tillman as P-22, Evan Jones as Trojan Nash, Nathan Davis Jr. as Rocco and Ramses Jiminez as Tariq.

HOTEL ARTEMIS is a place where bad guys go to find safety and be patched up if needs be. What it doesn’t know how to do is survive this batch of crazy people in the middle of a rioting city. Managing to keep it together long enough for the audience to learn the back story in the 93 minute film is perfect, anything longer would have ruined it.

It twists and turns down the hotel hallways giving us quick stories and an equal amount of action to go along with it. I suppose what made me the happiest is that it wasn’t a prequel, sequel, retelling or remaking of another story. That in itself deserves high praises and I’m sending it their way.

Director Pearce gives us something different and although I followed along a little too easily, I had a good time. There is something to be said for quick and to the point and HOTEL ARTEMIS gives exactly that.

In the end – no guns, no cops and no killing the other patients!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2 Lands At Home

Jeri Jacquin

Finally arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD and Digital is 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 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.

Marvel Studios has released sixteen films since 2008 in what is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is built on a library of over eight thousand characters featured in a variety of media content for over seventy years. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.marvel.com.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2 is a five tubs of popcorn out of five film. 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.

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. It adds to the fun as if the film needed any but I’ll take it!

I don’t know what you are doing this weekend but if it’s not seeing GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2 on Bluray, DVD and Digital HD then you must be in a coma! This film is funny, action packed, endearing, hilarious, and yes Baby Groot steals every scene he is in – I mean is that shocking? Hardly.

The Bluray, DVD and Digital HD include the Bonus Extras of Guardians Inferno Music Video – join David Hasselhoff and special guests for a galactic ‘70s disco dance party, and Hilarious Deleted Scenes, Outrageous Gag Reel.

Also Bonus Round: The Making of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2 – A four-part behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film with The Director’s Chari with James Gunn, Reunion Tour: The Music of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2, Living Planets and Talking Trees: The Visual Effects of Vol. 2, Showtime: The Cast of Vol. 2 and finally the Audio Commentary by director James Gunn.

In the end – you only get one chance to save the galaxy twice!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2 Protects in Theatres

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!