When Guardians of the Galaxy hit theaters in 2014 it was looked at as the Star Wars of this generation. That’s very high praise. It’s very fitting then that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 had its advance screening on May the 4th aka Star Wars Day. Is Vol. 2 The Empire Strikes Back of this franchise? Warning, spoilers ahead…



Chris Pratt returns as Peter Quill aka Star-Lord who leads this ragtag group of misfits that consist of Gamora (Zoe Saladana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel). Once again, Groot pretty much steals every scene he’s in including the opening action sequence set to the music of Elo. Here the mystery of Quill’s parentage that was hinted at in Vol. 1 starts to unravel with the introduction of Ego (played by Kurt Russell), a god and a planet all in one who happens to be Quill’s biological father. Ego lives up to his name and having his own agenda after finding his son.

The Guardians become public enemy number one when they or more accurately Rocket double crosses the Sovereign, a gold-skinned aristocratic society by stealing some batteries that could be sold on the open market. This after the Sovereign turned over Nebula (Karen Gillan) to the Guardians. Nebula as you may remember is Gamora’s sister. After the double-cross, the Sovereign hire Yondu (Michael Rooker) to find the Guardians and bring them to justice. Yondu has his own plans however. The rest of the film has Peter, Gamora and Drax dealing with Ego and his ego, Rocket and baby Groot dealing with Yondu and the Ravagers. All the this while everyone tries to avoid the Sovereign who now wants to hunt everyone.



With Vol.1, the central theme became what defined family? A ragtag group of misfits brought together by circumstances and rediscover what it means to be part of something greater than themselves. Now with Vol. 2, that theme goes a step further and reinforces the adage that it’s not the blood that flows through your veins that makes you family or being a father is what makes you a dad to a child. No, it runs deeper than that. Is what you’re willing to do for that person, the sacrifices you’re willing to make to save someone special to you.



As it is with every Marvel film, there are Easter eggs and cameos to feast on throughout. There’s also the extra scenes that has become a staple for Marvel during its ending credits. Make sure you stay throughout because there is no less than five of them. Some albeit just for humors sake but a couple that furthers future stories and possibly launching a new franchise.

At its’s best, Vol. 2 is a visually dazzling spectacle set to some awesome tunes, laugh out loud humor and of course action galore. If you liked Flash Gordon of the 80’s, you’ll love this mixture. Is it better than Vol. 1? I wouldn’t say better but I will say it’s a worthy sequel to a surprise hit that proved that the creative minds behind Marvel Studios have the Midas touch when it comes to storytelling and building a vast universe that’s all connected.

Directed by: James Gunn

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saladana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan and Kurt Russell

PG13 137 mins

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, VOL. 2 – **** (out of 5 stars)

May the Dork be with you,

JPB

The Dork Knight

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