GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 3

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director James Gunn, Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios is the final voyage of the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 3.

The gang is almost all together on a ship called Knowhere but Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is still dealing with the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana). Being basically babysat by Nebula (Karen Gillian), Mantis (Pom Kiementieff), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket (Bradley Cooper), things are about to get a shakeup.

Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) is racing across the galaxy on a mission, to capture Rocket. Becoming seriously hurt by the attack, the group tries to save Rocket but only discovers that inside him is a kill switch. The only thing that can save their friend is to find Orgocorp and get the code.

That’s going to require some help, when Quill, Mantis, Drax and Nebula get to the headquarters, they are met by the Ravangers and Gamora. She is not Quill’s love Gamora but the Gamora that doesn’t love Quill, with it so far? While Rocket is unconscious, he is remembering how his life came to be and that it is all because of the High Evolutionary aka Dr. Herbert Wyndham (Chukwudi Iwuji).

Back to Quill and the gang, believing that they have Rocket’s sphere-file, they discover the code is not there. Now they have to go to Counter-Earth and take on the High Evolutionary. Quill orders Gamora, Mantis and Drax to stay with the ship so he, Nebula and Groot take on what ever is head of them.

But when the High Evolutionary gets his fill of incompetents not retrieving what he thinks is his property aka Rocket, his anger starts to boil over. The thing is, he truly has no idea who he is up against, but he will soon enough.

Pratt as Quill is back with a totally broken heart and no seeming will to get his life right. It isn’t until best friend Rocket needs him desperately does he put his big boy Guardian pants on and get back to work. That doesn’t mean he isn’t going to keep talking about his broken heart, even when he comes face to face with the ‘other’ Gamora. Pratt is delightful, charming and funny, but then again, we have come to expect nothing less.

Saldana as Gamora is still salty and hostile. She doesn’t want to be part of the Guardians and at the same time sees what Quill had been trying to tell her from the get go. Gillian as Nebula has taken the lead flexing the feminine side of the group with less hostility and more forethought.

Cooper as Rocket gets to take off in this storyline. His story is meshed into the big picture and it is cute, heartwarming, sad and thrilling all at the same time. Through all the films Cooper has given Rocket the voice of frustration, anger and unresolved issues wrapped up in a mystery wrapper. This time out Rocket is heard.

Iwuji as the High Evolutionary thinks he is put in the universe to change it and he doesn’t mind doing it with pain, suffering and trauma. There isn’t a moment that is redeeming about this character and Iwuji makes sure of that with his dark portrayal. Poulter as Warlock flies in, wreaks havoc and is the reason Rocket is hurt in the first place. His reason for agreeing to retrieve Rocket causes him to consistently show up at the most unexpected times.

Kiementieff as Mantis is still protecting the group with her gift and this time out she does not hesitate to speak her mind, careful Nebula! Bautista as Drax still cracks me up with his thought process. He has a huge heart and no gift of gab but I wouldn’t have this character any other way or any other actor to portray Drax. Diesel as Groot has become so powerful in his own right. Past the teenage back talking stage, he is strong, quick and truly protective of his guardian-family.

Shout out to Fillion for his contribution to the hilarity. He is so good at being Master Karja and I loved the giggle he brought to the audience.

Other cast include Sean Gunn as Kraglin Obfonteri, Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha, Maria Bakalova as Cosmo, Michael Rosenbaum as Martinex, Sarah Alami as Gloob, Jerry Beharry as Dark, Linda Cardellini as Lylla, Asim Chaudhry as Teefs, Michelle Civile as Cassowary, Stephen Blackehart as Steemie Blueliver, Mikaela Hoover as Floor, Miriam Shor as Recorder Vim, Judy Greer as War Pig,Daniela Melchior as Ura, Jennifer Holland as Administrator Kwol, Tara Strong as Mainframe, Nico Santos as Theel, Gregg Henry as Quill’s grandfather, Nathan Fillion as Master Karja and Sylvester Stallone as Stakar Ogord.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

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.

This is an ending to the Guardians story and it is covered in a thick coat of charm and feels. The film is filled with special effects, dark moments, fast talking, lots of explosions, very colorful and familiar faces. Fans will be delighted with the razzle dazzle of it all. Coming in at two hours and 30 minutes, each of the characters make their own decisions in the end.

That being said, I’m just ‘okay’ with the film. Personally, I expected more for a grand finale. The ending seems awkward and thrown together. I’m sure that 30 minutes could have been cut off the time and it would have been fine. Even saying that, I’m sure that the film will bring people into theatre seats. The soundtrack is worth owning but then again that has been something each of the films has in common.

In the end – it is time to face the music!

AVATAR: The Way of Water

 

Jeri Jacquin

Available on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director James Cameron and 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment is the continuing adventure and Oscar winner for Best Visual Effects with AVATAR: The Way of Water.

Things have been quiet for the Na’vi since expelling the sky people with the help of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) who is now chief. Now, he and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) have an ever-expanding family they are raising. Sons Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) and Neteyam (Jamie Flatters) and daughters Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) and Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss). In addition to their family is a teenage human boy names Spider (Jack Champion) who is fluent in the ways of the Na’vi and spends all his time with the Sully family.

As the attacks against the forest people continue, the sky people are expanding their base and taking more resources than ever before. Knowing his family is being hunted, Jake decides it is time for them to go in order to save the Omaticaya people. Planning to get as far away as possible, they seek refuge with the Metkayina sea people. Chief Tonowari (Cliff Curtis) listens to the plea for help but it is his wife Ronal (Kate Winslet) who see’s pain and heartache in their future.

Trying to embrace this new culture, the boys find themselves constantly in trouble, Tuk is enjoying the water and all the creatures and Kiri begins to understand that although different, she easily embraces the sea life. Lo’ak, trying to make friends with the chief’s son Aonung (Filip Geljo), finds himself once again in trouble but is helped by a Tulkun names Payakan. Looking on at the encounter is the chief’s lovely daughter Tsireya (Bailey Bass) who realizes there is something special happening.

Now, for the hard part, As Pandora becomes more and more colonized, the company RDA has found a way to create Na’vi people without needing a human host but yet transferring their essence. One of these is Quaritch (Stephen Lang) who has a score to settle with Sully. Having no conscience previously, he makes it clear that he has no qualms about killing the Sully family and anyone that gets in his way.

The battle is on once again for the world Jake has come to love and the people in it. The Na’vi may be different tribes but one thing is clear, when you attack one, you attack all! As Quaritch comes closer and closer, it is clear that he and those with him are out for destruction.

Worthington as Sully returns and now is a father of quite a brood. He has trained his sons to be warriors but they have his disregard for orders and rules. Trying to find safety for his family, Sully packs up and tries to find the farthest place anyone would look for them. Like life, problems have radar and will always find you. Sully has become a respected member of the Omaticaya people and they look to him for guidance during their time of peace. When it becomes clear that peace is over, he knows what has to be done and does so with a broken heart. Worthington picks up right where he left off without a misstep in his character portrayal of the blue Na’vi Sully.

Saldana is now a mother lioness who is not about to let anyone hurt her children (too bad she needs to worry more about what they are doing than others are doing). She is not happy to be joining the sea tribe but makes the best of it and remains supportive of Sully. Like other mother lioness’, Saldana’s Neytiri does a lot of hissing in this film and when her angry rears its very tall head, stand back because the rage is on.

Curtis as Chief Tonowari is unsure from the beginning about the Sully clan hanging around but knows that they are Na’vi and that means something. Curtis gives his character a quieter leadership than Sully but that changes when the sky people decide it’s time to do their damage. Winslet as Ronal is also a mother lioness and pitted against Saldana’s Neytiri get a little tense at times. She wants the best for her family which includes son Aonung and beautiful daughter Tsireya and once her belief system is on the verge of destruction, Winslet sets her vocal Ronal loose.

Dalton as son Lo’ak is trying to fit in as the youngest boy in the family. Ready to fight, he makes mistakes and does not listen to his father’s orders and that continually gets him in trouble. Dalton gives us a fierce warrior kid who also has a softer side for whale-like creatures and feels a kinship with their plight. Flatters as Neyeuam is the older son who sees the wisdom of his father’s orders but does make a mistake here and there. Once he is in fighting mode, it is easy to look at Flatters portrayal and think ‘yep, he acts like the son of Jake Sully!’.

Bliss as young Tuk is nothing short of adorable and loves adventure in any shape and form. She understands what is at stake with the family and comes very close a time or two of becoming a sad story in this tale but she is fiery and I love it. Weaver as daughter Kiri feels like the outsider of the Sully group (although I associate that with being a moody teenager) but discovers with the sea people that she has a gift. There is a story here that Weaver is trying to tell and I am sure there will be more answers in the next AVATAR installment.

Lang as Quaritch is back to his old tricks again. Trying to be a warrior for the sky people and the military, let’s face it, the guy is just nuts. There are a few surprises in this film for him as well. Bass as Tsireya does not see a reason to be unsure about the Sully clan, in fact she embraces and teaches them quickly and with a smile. She fights with the Sully clan with heart, soul and wisdom and that’s quite beautiful. Champion as Spider is a human boy who has lived with the Na’vi since he was born. Accepting their ways and being a part of the Sully clan is a bit confusing for him but he knows what’s wrong and makes it clear he is not that person. Geljo as Aonung is a chief’s son and he behaves with all the problems that can come with that. Hey, Na’vi will be Na’vi!

Cast also includes Joel David Moore as Norm, Jermaine Clement as Dr. Gavin, CCH Pounder as Mo’at, Brendan Cowell as Scoresby, Dileep Rao as Dr. Max Patel, Giovanni Ribisi as Parker Selfridge, and Edie Falco as General Ardmore.

Celebrate today’s release with an all-new clip from the 3+ hours of never-before-seen bonus features.

James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water is available to buy TODAY exclusively on all major digital retailers including Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play and Movies Anywhere. To celebrate today’s digital release and Earth Month, fans can continue to participate in the “Keep Our Oceans Amazing'' campaign, which launched with the theatrical release of Avatar: The Way of Water. This initiative supports The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and its work to protect 10 of our oceans’ amazing animals and their habitats, connected to the beauty of Pandora. From now through July 31, 2023, fans can create their very own Avatar-inspired Ocean creature. For every creature created in the Virtual Pandoran Ocean, Disney U.S. will give $5 to TNC U.S. to help them achieve their global goal of protecting 10 percent of the ocean by 2030. Visit www.avatar.com/keepouroceansamazing to learn more.

AVATAR: The Way of Water comes flooding into theatres at almost three hours and thirteen years after the original AVATAR. There is a mish-mash of storytelling here which leads me to think that the next film will clarify things a little more.

Cameron’s reasoning behind the almost three hours is, “The goal is to tell an extremely compelling story on an emotional basis, I would say the emphasis in the new film is more on character, more on story, more on relationships, more on emotion. We didn’t spend as much time on relationships and emotion in the first film as we do in the second film, and it’s a longer film, because there’s more characters to service. There is more story to service.”

All the scenes underwater are really pretty. The good news is that the characters returning to their original roles offered something comforting about seeing the film. I think Worthington, Saldana, Weaver and Lang are the films safety net although I do not think Weaver and Lang’s story lines have a lot to offer other than a way to get butts in the seats at the next installment.

People are still wanting an escape and Cameron gives it to them while throwing in lessons about hurting sea creatures, bad guys do bad things and misunderstood teenagers who out of control (unfortunately that’s my pet peeve in films, mouthy and whiny teenagers). This is a family film for sure but not for the small ones and only because of the time issue. It is a BIG tub of popcorn type of film that does not hold to many surprises but instead plants seeds for the next film. Hopefully not in 13 years.

In the end – they are a family!

AVATAR: The Way of Water

 

Jeri Jacquin

 

Opening in theatres today from director James Cameron and 20th Century Studios is the continuing adventure with AVATAR: The Way of Water.

 

Things have been quiet for the Na'vi since expelling the sky people with the help of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) who is now chief. Now, he and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) have an ever expanding family they are raising. Sons Lo'ak (Britain Dalton) and Neteyam (Jamie Flatters) and daughters Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) and Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss). In addition to their family is a teenage human boy names Spider (Jack Champion) who is fluent in the ways of the Na'vi and spends all his time with the Sully family.

 

As the attacks against the forest people continue, the sky people are expanding their base and taking more resources than ever before. Knowing his family is being hunted, Jake decides it is time for them to go in order to save the Omaticaya people. Planning to get as far away as possible, they seek refuge with the Metkayina sea people. Chief Tonowari (Cliff Curtis) listens to the plea for help but it is his wife Ronal (Kate Winslet) who see's pain and heartache in their future.

 

Trying to embrace this new culture, the boys finds themselves constantly in trouble, Tuk is enjoying the water and all the creatures and Kiri begins to understand that although different, she easily embraces the sea life. Lo'ak, trying to make friends with the chiefs son Aonung (Filip Geljo), finds himself once again in trouble but is helped by a Tulkun names Payakan. Looking on at the encounter is the chiefs lovely daughter Tsireya (Bailey Bass) who realizes there is something special happening.

 

Now, for the hard part, As Pandora becomes more and more colonized, the company RDA has found a way to create Na'vi people without needing a human host but yet transferring their essence. One of these is Quaritch (Stephen Lang) who has a score to settle with Sully. Having no conscience previously, he makes it clear that he has no qualms about killing the Sully family and anyone that gets in his way.

 

The battle is on once again for the world Jake has come to love and the people in it. The Na'vi may be different tribes but one thing is clear, when you attack one, you attack all! As Quaritch comes closer and closer, it is clear that he and those with him are out for destruction.

 

Worthington as Sully returns and now is a father of quite a brood. He has trained his sons to be warriors but they have his disregard for orders and rules. Trying to find saftey for his family, Sully packs up and tries to find the farthest place anyone would look for them. Like life, problems have radar and will always find you. Sully has become a respected member of the Omaticaya people and they look to him for guidance during their time of peace. When it becomes clear that peace is over, he knows what has to be done and does so with a broken heart. Worthington picks up right where he left off without a misstep in his character portrayal of the blue Na'vi Sully. Saldana is now a mother lioness who is not about to let anyone hurt her children (too bad she needs to worry more about what they are doing than others are doing). She is not happy to be joining the sea tribe but makes the best of it and remains supportive of Sully. Like other mother lioness', Saldana's Neytiri does a lot of hissing in this film and when her angry rears its very tall head, stand back because the rage is on.

 

Curtis as Chief Tonowari is unsure from the beginning about the Sully clan hanging around but knows that they are Na'vi and that means something. Curtis gives his character a quieter leadership than Sully but that changes when the sky people decide it's time to do their damage. Winslet as Ronal is also a mother lioness and pitted against Saldana's Neytiri get a little tense at times. She wants the best for her family which includes son Aonung and beautiful daughter Tsireya and once her belief system is on the verge of destruction, Winslet sets her vocal Ronal loose.

 

Dalton as son Lo'ak is trying to fit in as the youngest boy in the family. Ready to fight, he makes mistakes and does not listen to his father's orders and that continually gets him in trouble. Dalton gives us a fierce warrior kid who also has a softer side for whale-like creatures and feels a kinship with their plight. Flatters as Neyeuam is the older son who sees the wisdom of his father's orders but does make a mistake here and there. Once he is in fighting mode, it is easy to look at Flatters portrayal and think 'yep, he acts like the son of Jake Sully!'. Bliss as young Tuk is nothing short of adorable and loves adventure in any shape and form. She understands what is at stake with the family and comes very close a time or two of becoming a sad story in this tale but she is fiery and I love it. Weaver as daughter Kiri feels like the outsider of the Sully group (although I associate that with being a moody teenager) but discovers with the sea people that she has a gift. There is a story here that Weaver is trying to tell and I am sure there will be more answers in the next AVATAR installment.

 

Lang as Quaritch is back to his old tricks again. Trying to be a warrior for the sky people and the military, let's face it, the guy is just nuts. There are a few surprises in this film for him as well. Bass as Tsireya does not see a reason to be unsure about the Sully clan, in fact she embraces and teaches them quickly and with a smile. She fights with the Sully clan with heart, soul and wisdom and that's quite beautiful. Champion as Spider is a human boy who has lived with the Na'vi since he was born. Accepting their ways and being a part of the Sully clan is a bit confusing for him but he knows what's wrong and makes it clear he is not that person. Geljo as Aonung is a chiefs son and he behaves with all the problems that can come with that. Hey, Na'vi will be Na'vi!

 

Cast also includes Joel David Moore as Norm, Jermaine Clement as Dr. Gavin, CCH Pounder as Mo'at, Brendan Cowell as Scoresby, Dileep Rao as Dr. Max Patel, Giovanni Ribisi as Parker Selfridge, and Edie Falco as General Ardmore.

 

AVATAR: The Way of Water comes flooding into theatres at almost three hours and thirteen years after the original AVATAR. That being said, you could easily cut out an hour and the film would be fine. There is a mish-mash of storytelling here and that began to lose my interest a bit. There are scenes that are just too darn long because personally, I don't need to watch 10-15 minutes of people torturing a sea animal, don't need to see 10 minutes of playing with sea creatures followed by a few minutes of soldiers making threats and then back to 10 more minutes of playing with sea creatures. I looked around at the audience and they were not comfortable sitting for that length of time in very uncomfortable seats AND it's not like you can stop the film to run to the facilities. Should have saved this long version for Bluray, just a suggestion.

 

Cameron's reasoning behind the almost three hours is, "The goal is to tell an extremely compelling story on an emotional basis, I would say the emphasis in the new film is more on character, more on story, more on relationships, more on emotion. We didn't spend as much time on relationships and emotion in the first film as we do in the second film, and it's a longer film, because there's more characters to service. There is more story to service."

 

All the scenes underwater are really pretty but the length is just unnecessary and I saw it in 3D. Not sure what Cameron is trying to prove with the time, other than spending an obscene amount of money totally around $400 million - that's M. Does he realize he could give 350 people a million dollars and still have 50 million left over to make a film? Just checking. The good news is that the characters returning to their original roles offered something comforting about seeing the film. I think Worthington, Saldana, Weaver and Lang are the films safety net although I do not think Weaver and Lang's story lines have a lot to offer other than a way to get butts in the seats at the next installment.

 

It will do alright simply because there is not a lot in theatres right now so choices are limited and it's colorful. People are still wanting an escape and Cameron gives it to them while throwing in lessons about hurting sea creatures, bad guys do bad things and misunderstood teenagers who out of control (unfortunately that's my pet peeve in films, mouthy and whiny teenagers). This is a family film for sure but not for the small ones and only because of the time issue. It is a BIG tub of popcorn type of film that does not hold to many surprises but instead plants seeds for the next film. Hopefully not in 13 years.

 

In the end - they are a family!

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!