Direction: James Gunn; Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Kurt Russel, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Chris Sullivan, Vin Diesel; Screenplay: James Gunn; Based on Guardinas of the Galaxy by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning; Cinematography: Henry Braham; Editing: Fred Raskin, Craig Wood; Producer: Marvel Studios; Music: Tyler Bates; Genre: Sci-Fi Action; Distributor: Walt Disney; Location: The Galaxy Running Time: 136 minutes
Technical assessment: 3.5
Moral assessment: 3
CINEMA rating: V14
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, like its predecessor, opens up with a dance sequence from Baby Groot (voiced by Diesel) as Peter (Pratt), Gamora (Saldana), Drax (Bautista) and Rocket (voiced by Cooper) fight of a multi-dimensional monster. Between protecting Baby Groot and fighting with each other, the four defeat the monster and return to Ayesha (Debicki), golden Queen of the Sovereign Race. Apparently, the Guardians were hired to protect some very valuable batteries in exchange for Gamora’s estranged sister Nebula (Gillan). But Rocket being Rocket steals a few batteries and causes them to be attacked by the Sovereign drones. Fortunately, a mysterious figure comes to their aid but causes the Guardian’s ship to crash land. The mysterious stranger introduces himself to be Peter’s Celestial father, Ego (Russel). Peter, Gamora and Drax follow Ego to his home planet while Rocket repairs the space craft with Baby Groot and Nebula. Desperate to have a real family, Peter ignores Gamora’s suspicions and Mantis’ (Klementieff) warnings. Afterwards, Yondu (Rooker) arrives to re-capture the Guardians, Nebula escapes to kill Gamora whom she blames for all the torture she received from their father, and Ego’s real plans are revealed.
Guardians of the Galaxy sits on three strong aspects: impressive visuals, excellent comedic timing, and interesting plot development. First, the artistic and technical quality of the CGIs and post production manipulation is beyond impressive for it brings to life a new world that is both fantastic and believable. Second, the characters are dynamic and likeable. More than the punchlines delivered on point, both the good and bad girls and guys are relatable—hence able to connect with the audience. The humor of the script is cleverly written and results in a genuine laugh even after one has left the theaters. Funny makes the movie heartwarming and diverts attention to the sometimes over-the-top aggression. And finally, audience can follow the story with all the new characters and complicated twists even with no prior knowledge of the comic franchise or the movie prequel. It is simple but unpredictable and multifaceted but tight.
Guardians of the Galaxy has ever since capitalized on the concept of family—biological and adopted—from the love-hate relationship among Peter Quill, Ego and Yondu, to the rivalry between Gamora and Nebula, to the unequivocal love everyone has behind all the squabbles and bickering. The guardians love each other and will put aside differences for the sake of the other. In so many ways, family and relationship has been redefined. Sibling rivalry is actually a cry for attention and support. Disagreements and fights yet remaining loyal and faithful to the same person means acceptance and willingness to go beyond the surface. Choosing to side with a stranger to uphold what is right versus loyalty to one’s sinister master shows the value of cultivating relationships based on honesty and integrity. Each character and sub-plot reveals a positive relationship.
