I like Guardians of the Galaxy 1 more than the sequel. Let’s
just get that statement out of the way because I expect to be asked it a fair
whack. Of course I also happen to think the first film is a genuine
masterpiece, its character arcs, visuals and soundtrack combining as a vibrant elixir
of happiness I’ve dunked my face in multiple times. The second film probably couldn’t
ever have matched that.
But hey… That doesn’t mean it’s not fricking awesome. It’s
utterly superb as well and could just be the second best Marvel film behind its
predecessor. Admittedly I was worried for a little while that it wouldn’t even
be that good. The opening credits that turn a fight scene in to a smile
inducing cuteness are superb but after that I felt a bit empty for a while. The
jokes weren’t clicking with me and a spark seemed to be missing. Drax in
particular gets some lines that felt forced and more annoying than witty. This
subsides and as the film hits its stride and I found him funny again. Not that
the jokes were better, they were just sandwiched between more quality and it
was all getting munched through a lot quicker.
The film clicked for me with a scene that finds an emotional
hook and delivers a sweetness to Starlord’s character. Don’t think I’m spoiling
anything by saying Peter becomes reunited with his dad. This film is about family
and what that means. Not just between Peter and Kurt Russell’s Ego, his long
lost father. Two relationships from the original get explored in more detail
here. Gamora and Nebula, daughters of Thanos and sisters who clearly don’t get
on. Peter and Yondu, the kidnapped kid and the guy who could have eaten him all
this time but didn’t. Outside of those the whole gang get their own moments of emotional
realisation. As the stakes escalate and the screen gets filled with laser
blasts and punch ups, it’s those character moments and relationships that
really make this film epic. 
Not so much for Baby Groot admittedly. His role is comic relief,
and cuteness, and damn coolness. I love that little guy and if you don’t too
then we shouldn’t be friends. Plus he’s a baby and clearly loved by all his teammates.
That’s enough of a character arc.
What haven’t I covered without spoiling anything… The
soundtrack isn’t as good. Like not even close. Not bad by any means but can’t
see it being memorable. The new characters work well and I’d be happy to see Mantis
continue the strange yet endearing friendship with Drax. Gamora continues to be
the most gorgeous green skinned woman ever. The finale includes two fantastic references
that had me grinning from ear to ear. Not spoiling, but there’s a videogame
joke I predictably adored and then Peter and Yondu deliver the best lines of the
film when talking about a certain Disney classic. My wife and I really laughed
out loud there.
We both loved it and both left the screen in smiles despite it
being after 2am when our screening finished. It is infectious, it is sweet, its
tense and it’s hilarious. It’s a really fun two-and-a-bit hours (which I’ll probably
spend like 50 hours of my life rewatching) Bring on the third, you beautiful
rascals.
