The GotG 2 Review

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.