Much like the titular characters, nobody was expecting Guardians of the Galaxy to be as good as it was. Not only was it a heartfelt story about misfits learning to work together, but it worked as great science-fiction fun. The film was both a massive critical and financial hit, so naturally a sequel was planned. Along with the original five guardians, several side characters from the first also returned, most prominently Michael Rooker as Yondu. In addition to the returning cast, the film would also see Kurt Russell and Sylvester Stallone joining the cast. James Gunn returned to write and direct, though Nicole Perlman didn’t return to pen the sequel. Unlike the previous film, this one would have fewer characters, though Gunn planned to introduce at least two new characters. Finally, in 2017, Marvel decided to start off the year with the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
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The Guardians have been hired by a race of gold people called the Sovereign to fight an interdimensional monster. After defeating the monster, the Sovereign leader Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) rewards them with Nebula (Karen Gillan), Gamora’s sister. Unfortunately, Rocket (Bradley Cooper) steals some valuable batteries from the Sovereign, prompting them to hunt the Guardians down. The Guardians manage to escape, but only barely as their ship crashes down on a remote planet. Upon landing, they’re greeted by a man named Ego (Kurt Russell), who claims to be Peter’s father. He takes Peter, Gamora, and Drax to his planet and explains that he’s a Celestial, a being with godlike powers. Because of this, Peter (Chris Pratt) has similar abilities, and he grows more and more attached to his father. However, Ego’s helper Mantis (Pom Klementieff) warns the others of his true plans, and The Guardians must stop him from total destruction.
While I loved the first Guardians of the Galaxy, I did have some issues with it, particularly its weak villain. Not only does this film have a much better villain, but it also expands on what made the original work. The characters, even the side characters, are greatly expanded upon and feel more like a dysfunctional family needing some guidance. The performances are terrific, with Russell and Rooker easily stealing the show with their legendary charisma and charms. Ego is a unique villain in that he initially doesn’t seem like the villain, but it’s eventually discovered he is. The dynamic between Russell and Pratt works really well, and the two actors have great chemistry together. The rest of The Guardians are given their moment to shine, and their relationships are greatly expanded upon. Plus, while originally a side character, Yondu is made much more significant here.
Like the first film, this one has an incredible 70s and 80s soundtrack that greatly compliments the film. In fact, one of the film’s main songs, Brandy by Looking Glass, plays an integral role in the plot. But what truly makes the film special is how it plays as more of a family drama that explores relationships. It has a message of realizing the thing you search for most is just right beside you all along. By the end of the film, each of the characters has grown stronger and become more of a family. Like before, this film is insanely funny and has some witty dialogue, but it also mixes in some dramatic moments. When Peter learns the truth about his father, it’s a gut-wrenching scene, and the last 15 minutes are a tear-jerker. Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 improves on the original in every way.
