Movie Review - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Keeps Right On Rocking

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (out of 5)

“I am Groot.” From the very first frame of James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy sequel, we know we are on familiar ground. Groot’s vocabulary remains limited, Drax continues to channel Captain Obvious, and Star-lord is just as cocky, over-bearing, and devilishly handsome as ever – just the way we like him. Like the perfect road trip mix, every tune is an original – no remakes or covers allowed. Galaxy 2 is at times shackled by its need for conformity, but in the end, the toe tapping, good-natured, frolicking fun proves to be irresistible.

The second Galaxy movie centers on Peter Quill’s (Chris Pratt) reunion with his long-lost father, a celestial god-like figure called Ego (Kurt Russell). Of course, life as a demigod is not for everyone, and Quill ultimately rebels against his planet-sized father, and returns to the comfort of his mortal, ragtag band of anti-heroes. To its credit, the film never strays from its character driven roots, and in the end, the over-stuffed plot serves merely as a hastily painted backdrop for the ongoing saga of Quinn and Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Gamora and her sister, Nebula (Karen Gillan), Drax and his empathic Mantis, and of course Rocket and pretty much everyone. Particularly effective this time around, is the relationship between Quill and his foster parent/kidnapper Yondu, played with scene-stealing flair by the fantastic Michael Rooker.

Aside from the well-crafted characters, Director Gunn continues to deliver a visually exciting universe, with new and exotic planets, strange and interesting creatures, fresh battle sequences, and lots and lots of throwback music – Baby Groot dancing to Mr. Blue Sky is by itself worth the price of admission. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is like an episode of your favorite television show, or perhaps a bag of popcorn; both satisfying, and chock full of empty calories.

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