Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (5/5/2017)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language, and brief suggestive content.

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Pom Klementieff, Kurt Russell and Michael Rooker

Directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy)

I absolutely loved Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2!

Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.

Like most sequels, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has pretty big shoes to fill. The first film was edge-of-your-seat exciting, visually stunning and flat out hilarious. The only question going into the theater with my son, was could James Gunn do it again?

I have to say that is an emphatic yes! In fact, I think the volume 2 is even better than the original. Right from the very beginning we see just how fun and clever this film would be. There is an opening fight scene with a giant space squid that is film almost entirely in the background while Baby Groot dances to “Mr. Blue Sky.”

I expected Gunn to repeat some of his best tricks from vol. 1, but the recurring fake-eyeball gags, slow-motion walks, insults, sarcasm, and unrelenting jabs from Rocket all work perfectly.

James Gunn took the obscure characters known as the Guardians of the Galaxy and made Marvels most fun movies to date. And I do realize the weight of my statement. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a massive powerhouse and continues to outshine the DC Universe. From 2008’s IronMan to The Avengers and the upcoming Spiderman, Marvel knows how to bring their beloved characters from the pages of comic books to the big screen.

The cast that breathes life into the Guardians include Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista and the voices of Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper. They are all so fun to watch and all bring certain energy to their roles, but I love Dave Bautista. It seems like every line is making me laugh or cry… and sometimes both.

Karen and Michael Rooker also play their roles perfectly and adding Kurt Russell as Star Lord Peter Quill’s biological father Ego was simply brilliant.

The special effects and make-up throughout the film is flawless. I could not take my eyes off the screen.

All that being said, the thing I loved most about the film was the strong pro-family message. Every character has a broken relationship with family, and is aware of their brokenness. The message of how one needs a dad in their life was especially strong… which I appreciated as I sat in the theater with my son.

I know Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is not for everyone, but I still highly recommend it. It is “Worth Buying.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity, but there are several sexual jokes and innuendoes.

There is however a lot of “comic book style” violence throughout the film. Most of the violence is presented in a humorous and light-hearted tone.

The profanity is also on the mild side.

CONVERSATION STATER:

1. At the beginning of the film, how would you describe the relationship between Peter and Yondu?


2. How would you describe their relationship at the end of the film?


3. What changed? Why?

Read Proverbs 18:24

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.


4. How did Yondu stick closer than a “father”?


5. How can you be a friend that sticks closer than a brother?