'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2' is An Invigorating Second Chapter to the Series
When James Gunn and Marvel Studios introduced us to the Guardians of the Galaxy back in the summer of 2014, nobody knew what to expect. I certainly didn't know what to expect. Now that I'm more of a Marvel fan I understand the Guardians more. Back in 2014 I didn't know who they were. Yet this film went on to be my favorite Marvel film until its sequel.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
The film starts off with a brief prologue from Earth in 1980. Showing Peter Quill's mother Meredith falling in love with his father. The song "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" blasts in the background. The scene sets up future emotional moments throughout the film.
Now we enter space and the Guardians are now hailed as the "Guardians of the Galaxy." They are hired by the Sovereign race to protect valuable batteries. The opening scene has Baby Groot dancing around to Electric Light Orchestra's "Mr. Blue Sky" as action takes place in the background. This is one scene I particularly love.
Later on in the film, Peter Quill meets his father Ego (played by Kurt Russell). From this moment on, us the viewers are sent on a emotional roller coaster. Peter finds out that his father is a god like figure and he's also a planet. Kurt Russell has a fantastic performance as Ego. One of the more emotional scenes for me is when Ego reveals "It sucks I had to put that tumor in her brain", and soon after that. Quill snaps out of his daze and says "You killed my mother?!" Star-Lord engages with his father in a brawl. The whole theater gasped at this sequence. The brawl is epic and Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" plays in the background. The scene is important showing that Ego's true motives are revealed. His purpose is to control every aspect in the universe and the only way he can is if his son helps him. Star-Lord's father being the bad guy was an interesting dynamic.
Earlier in the film, Yondu (played by Michael Rooker) is exiled from his Ravager group. Yondu and loyalist Kraglin team up with Rocket Racoon and Baby Groot to get to the planet of Ego. Yondu becomes a major player in this story. When all the Guardians are reunited to save Star-Lord. Yondu helps Star-Lord fight Ego. During this time Baby Groot plants a bomb in the brain of the planet. Yondu is crushed by Ego. Before he gets hurt anymore he tells Star-Lord to use his "heart." This then showcases a series of flashbacks. This powers Star-Lord through the battle with his father. Yondu using a spacesuit helps Star-Lord escape before the bomb goes off. Yondu tells Star-Lord that "Ego might of been your father but I was your daddy." Yondu then gives Star-Lord the spacesuit. Sacrificing himself for his true son. This is another emotional scene. The emotion felt in the theater was wonderful. It was heartwarming to see a rough and tough character like Yondu have emotion.
The Guardians host a funeral for Yondu. Ravagers from all parts of the galaxy come and pay their respects. The best part about this scene though is Quill's words about Yondu. Quill talks about in his childhood he would tell other kids his dad was David Hasselhoff, and that his Dad was gone on vacation. Quill concludes his tribute saying that Yondu was like Hasselhoff.
The film is freaking hilarious like the original. Dave Bautista once again steals the show. Marvel Studios should just sign him to a life contract to play Drax. Gamora and Nebula reconcile in this film and it was cool to see the once villain finally become (somewhat) good. Baby Groot was cute like expected. Rocket Racoon delivers some great lines throughout the film. The introduction of Mantis was perfect. Mantis had great chemistry with Drax.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 is like a slap in the face, in a good way. It reminds us why this amazing group got a sequel in the first place. The sequel was invigorating and injected new life into the already promising franchise.
Chris Pratt delivered a electric performance as Star-Lord. Kurt Russell did a wonderful job playing the bad guy. Sylvester Stallone was good with the small amount of screen time he got. Zoe Saldana and Karen Gillan both played strong and tough characters. Pom Klementieff was hilarious and innocent as Mantis. I think the stand out performance though goes to Yondu, who was played by Michael Rooker. That man totally changed the film. He added so much more to an already great film.
James Gunn did a phenomenal job with the script and the directing. After watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2. It is safe to say he is in my top five directors of all time. I also love his taste in music. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 had some great songs throughout the film. I love this soundtrack more than the original.
Speaking of the music of the film. Shout out to Tyler Bates for scoring Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2. Once again the music was outstanding in this second chapter of the Guardians franchise.
The overall story for this second film was brilliant. After watching the first film. The number one question was "Who is Star-Lord's father?" So having that answered in the second film was a blessing. The overall plot arc was fun to watch and there wasn't one moment of boredom while watching.
Another scene that I loved was when Ego smashes Star-Lord's Walkman. This leads to a even better scene where Kraglin gives Star-Lord a new MP3 with "over 300 songs." This next soundtrack is about to be crazy!
I love both the Howard the Duck cameo and Stan Lee's cameo.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 is a emotional journey with fantastic action sequences. The film has great comedy and even better music to back it up.
Post Credit Scene Discussion
We witness five post credit scenes. The reason is because James Gunn knows we love post credit scenes. Once again thank you, James Gunn.
Kraglin Joining the "Guardians"
The first post credit scene is a funny one. Showing Kraglin learning to use Yondu's telekinetic arrow and control fin. Kraglin was played by Sean Gunn. Gunn really brought this character to life. This character is confirmed for Avengers: Infinity War so only one can assume he will be joining the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Stakar Ogord Reunites The Old "Guardians"
Stakar Ogord (Sylvester Stallone) is talking to his old team of Ravagers. This is the 1975 Guardians of the Galaxy. The group included Yondu, Martinex, Charlie-27, Aleta Ogord. Stakar is also speaking to Krugarr and Mainframe (voiced by Miley Cyrus). Gunn already confirmed that these characters wouldn't appear in Infinity War. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 could be a possibility?
Adam Warlock is Introduced
Ayesha and the Sovereign race have been humiliated. Ayesha tells her handmaiden that she created a more perfect being then her. She calls him "Adam." She is referring to Adam Warlock but it seems his origin story will be different from the comics. Director James Gunn confirmed that he wouldn't be included in Avengers: Infinity War. Adam Warlock is a big figure in Marvel's comic universe so I wouldn't be surprised to see him in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3.
Groot is growing up!
The fourth post credit scene is another funny one. Star-Lord is trying to discipline the adolescent Groot. Groot utters "I am Groot" in a snarky, sarcastic tone. It's most likely that Teen Groot will be Groot's form in the next film.
Stan Lee Again!
This final post credit might explain and tie together all of Stan Lee's cameos over the years. In this scene, Lee is communicating with The Watchers. It is implied that he is telling them a bunch of different stories. The scene ends with the The Watchers getting up and leaving astronaut Stan Lee alone.
Marvel Studios is on a roll. It's been fun to be a fan. This film made me incredibly happy. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this group. Avengers: Infinity War is about to be crazy but enjoyable. The bottom line is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 was a brilliant second chapter to this phenomenal series.
