Sequels can be tricky endeavor for sure. Expectations are elevated on both the production side as well as the fan side. Marvel (well at least Disney’s properties that is) seems to laugh in the face of these challenges. Some how, some way they pretty much always ending up cashing in. 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy was an unknown commodity and was viewed as a risk. Disney quickly turned the Marvel Cinematic Universe into a huge cash cow with no signs of letting up. Admittedly they played it safe and straight for a few years but took a chance on the James Gunn led feature. Reviews were extremely favorable and then there were the truckloads of box office dollars. Now that it’s time for round 2, the pressure to produce has doubled and audiences will be quick to judge. Thankfully, it looks like Gunn and company are more than up for the task at hand.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 sees the return of all of its cast and characters from the first film. Chris Pratt’s name has become synonymous with blockbuster hits and he will have another one under his belt as this first weekend in May concludes. All of the faves are by his side, including Bradley Cooper (Rocket), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Vin Diesel (Baby Groot), Karen Gillian (Nebula) and Michael Rooker (Yondu). New to the party is Kurt Russell who play’s Star Lord’s (Pratt) father, Ego. Talk about your crazy daytime soap operas and/or talk shows. And be sure to keep a keen eye on the screen because there are lots of people in this one that you might recognize.
Thankfully, “Volume 2” isn’t all flash with no substance. Gunn didn’t take the easy way out by resting on his laurels and just doing a simple enhancement of the first story. Fans will be treated to a well thought out plot that’s filled with substance, laughter and action. With a meaty runtime of 136 minutes there are more than enough subplots to keep people happy. Inevitably you’re going to want more and will be scouring the web for release date news on the next GotG offering. Unfortunately there has been no solid news on that front but rest assured it’s coming.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 doesn’t get heavy-handed on the special effects to the point that it looks like a visual spectacle. What you will get is something pretty to look at, laugh at and scratch that inner geek that we all have inside of us. Afterwards, it’ll stay with you and will probably want to see it again. While it isn’t the most original movie out there, it should keep you occupied and entertained during its entire runtime. And as with most Marvel movies, stay until the very end of the credits to get your complete dollar’s worth. You can catch it all your local theater right now.
