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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Spoiler-free Review

In 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy hit the world by storm. It was a bit of a risk on behalf of Marvel, since this was a fairly unfamiliar property (to mainstream audiences, at least), and nobody really knew what to expect. It ended up being awesome, funny, captivating, boasting an ensemble of lovable, unforgettable characters.

Obviously it raked in the moolah at the box office, so when the sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 was announced, everyone went into hoping mode: Hoping that the follow-up would be as good as the original. Hoping that the director and writers wouldn’t just churn out another copy of the first film. Hoping, that the Marvel (pronounced “Disney”) machine would be able to deliver yet another winner. So, did they?

Dean and Stevo went to check out a preview screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 in IMAX 3D this week, and here’s what they thought of the film. Spoiler-free, for your reading pleasure…

Stevo

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was an absolute treat. There’s something for everyone. Somehow, James Gunn has done the best job of all Marvel directors to date; crafting a film that not only appeals to, but delights every segment of the four quadrants.

This writer of Scooby-doo and Dawn of the Dead (One of my favourite zombie films ever, by the way), has come out as a surprise to many as one of the most intelligent, crafty writers (and producers) of drama, adventure and comedy.

The entire team is back in the latest installment of Guardians, with a few new faces as well. There are new places to explore, and new sides of old characters that we learn about as the film unfolds.

The great thing about the film is that it gives every member of the ensemble a story; an arc to develop, that ties in with the overall plot of the film. And it achieves this with such immaculate pacing that when the credits rolled I was like…. already?

Initially, a concern for me was how they would be able to raise the stakes in this film, after the universe-ending stakes in the first movie. They managed to do this by making the core story (and threat) very personal to our protagonist (Peter Quill), while also exposing the rest of the galaxy to some more existential threats. Perfect!

Despite thee high stakes, Guardians Vol. 2 doesn’t always take itself too seriously. In fact, it almost never does. The creators have inserted humour into extremely unlikely situations, and it’s clear that with this installment they are definitely pushing the envelope with a few of their jokes and ideas. I guess they are willing to take this risk after the success of the first film.

Overall, this is a film that you should get out and watch right now. If you can, check it out in IMAX or 3D or both; the way I did. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 is a movie I will definitely be heading back to the cinema to see one more time.

Dean

When a public holiday coincides with the release of the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is only one outcome: watch it and why not make it in IMAX 3D.

Fully aware that there would be action and intergalactic mayhem, I knew Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was going to look epic, and it did. With James Gunn at the helm and especially given that the first film was so aesthetically pleasing, I had no doubts. The special effects team did such a great job in building these planets and obscure alien life forms.

GotG Vol 2 picks up months after the events of the first film and it is here that we see a team family that argue more than anything else but are getting into a rhythm. All while still appearing as though they’re winging everything they do and achieving their mission by stumbling backwards over the finish line.

But in this installment the team has grown (pretty much accidentally) to include Ego, the mysteriously powerful man with ties to one of our Guardians; Mantis, Ego’s socially awkward handmaiden; Yondu, the blue Ravager who abducted Peter Quill from Earth when he was a kid; and Nebula – who you would remember from the first film as Gamora’s sister. This extended crew shakes up the established order – if one can claim the Guardians to have any order at all – and challenge the core Guardians like never before.

Expect cute Baby Groot doing something that will make you go “Aaawww..” and expect a ton of laughter, mostly from Drax whose one liners are absolute gold. The soundtrack is of course so amazing too.

This movie was always going to be fun and it delivered. Also, look out for 5… That’s right… FIVE end credits scenes. Because you deserve it. Highly recommended.

You can check out the initial teaser trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 below:

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