Here we are, crusaders, at the dawn of another Summer of Blockbusters, and it feels right to begin with Marvel the reigning champion of the superhero blockbuster. (DC, I have high hopes for “Wonder Woman,” but you know it’s true.)
This (almost) summer, our adventure begins in the far reaches of our galaxy with a familiar group of guardians. Let’s get this started with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”
The second go-round with these less-than-traditional heroes is just about everything you’d expect from this less-than-conventional series. For those who have not seen the first, I’m going to have to insist that you do before reading this review…or seeing the second movie. So walk away now, or forever have the joy of discovering this story on your own. We’ll wait.
Are they gone?
Okay, so, those still with us will remember that in Vol. 1 we learned after his human mother passed away, Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) was kidnapped by space bandits who were meant to deliver him to his father. But of course, they didn’t deliver him, and Quill remained in the dark on the identity of his father.
This time around, it doesn’t take long for us to learn his identity—Kurt Russell (aka Ego).
Add a couple different sub-plots and all of the adorable Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) you could hope for, not to mention another stellar soundtrack, and you have the makings of a perfectly entertaining summer blockbuster.
Some have suggested that the film would have worked better without Baby Groot.
They are wrong.
But I will say, while this is by no means a sophomore slump, it does go right up to the line of over-saturation with a few more complicated than necessary plot points. (i.e. Rocket’s (Bradley Cooper) status as a loyal, lovable jerk who is not a raccoon was solidly stated in the first movie.) But this less than likely success (a talking raccoon and tree are central characters) set its own bar very high with its premiere film, so saying the sequel isn’t as good as the original, this case, doesn’t make this a bad movie…just not as good as the original. But to be clear, none of it is the fault of this tiny, woodland angel face. He is Groot.
p.s. If you’re into post-movie clips, you’re going to love the credits.
…bi-daily smile…
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