‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2’ brings back the band of
misfits who teamed up in the first movie – and pretty much everything else. And
though that’s not a bad thing, it feels like the makers are struggling to add
the element of surprise that was the biggest strength of the first movie. The irreverent
humour, the soundtrack of 80s music, the jazzy special effects, it all feels familiar.
But it still is a fun ride, so it’s not like audiences would be complaining too
much.
This movie primarily focuses on the parentage of Star-Lord
(Chris Pratt), when he is met by his biological father Ego (Kurt Russell) and
taken to his planet along with Gamora (Zoey Saldana) and Drax (Dave Bautista).
Meanwhile, Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (still Vin Diesel)
are trying to keep Gamora’s sister Nebula (Karen Gillian) hostage while evading
the Ravagers led by Yondu (Michael Rooker). Everything is not what it seems,
and the true motivations of all the characters are revealed as the movie
progresses.
This movie is definitely packing more in the emotional
content than the first one. Themes of family, identity and sacrifice are explored
here, and at times it seems a little out of character when the movie treads
into serious territory. But those are brief moments and not too out-of-place.
The one thing which felt out of left field was the final act, which seems to
take an abrupt turn from the rest of the movie. But that is also covered up
nicely with the cracking one-liners and fun effects.
The movie does what it is expected to, it dazzles us with
the visuals and gets us laughing with the jokes. The characters we care for are
still the same (the makers have done a great job with Bautista’s Drax in
particular). The actors are charming and don’t take themselves too seriously. It
feels almost formulaic, but hey; it works.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2’ is fun while it lasts, but
chances are it won’t stay with you very long after you leave the theatre.
Still, it’s a good time to be had – go for it!
P.S. 1: There are five post credits scenes, so don’t leave
the hall until you’re sure that you’ve caught them all.
P.S. 2: It was disappointing that the version I saw had some
scenes cut – unfortunately censored because of some mildly adult humour I’m
guessing. I am thinking the censor board should lighten up.
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