By Arayanna Harris
It would seem like Hollywood has created enough superhero movies and that viewers would have grown tired of action-packed, predictable films. However, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” proves that Marvel comics still offer stories that create breathtaking films with action, romance and a good dose of comedy that leave viewers pleasantly surprised.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” was released in May and is a sequel to “Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).” Returning to “Vol. 2” are the members of the “Guardians of Galaxy” appointed in the first film, including the warrior Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the genetically modified raccoon Rocket (Bradley Cooper), the adorable tree human Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) and their leader Peter Quill (Chris Pratt). The film follows Peter’s journey as he learns more about his roots. In this journey, the Guardians are met by Peter’s father, Ego (Kurt Russell), who happens to be, well, a god. Unfortunately, Ego’s intentions in finding Peter are less than pure, and the main action of the film involves the Guardians’ battle to stop Ego from using Peter to take over the universe.
Because the film takes place mostly in space and on imaginary planets, computer-generated imagery is extremely important. The film beautifully portrays Ego’s home planet as a vivid utopia, at least on the outside. The scenes that take place indoors and inside spacecrafts are crafted to closely resemble exactly what any space nerd would imagine them to look like, full of futuristic machinery. Editors have taken special care to bring to life the characters of Rocket and Baby Groot.
In addition to the action at the center of the film, there is a continued hinting at the romance between Gamora and Peter. Viewers of the first film, however, may be left wanting, as little progress is made in their relationship besides Gamora acknowledging that there is, at least, something between her and Quill. Their budding relationship is more useful for the comedy aspect of the film, which is one of the best things about “Vol. 2.” Drax’s offbeat approach to romance and Peter’s bashful denial of his feelings pair nicely with the slapstick comedy provided from the very first scene, which involves Baby Groot dancing around to “Mr. Blue Sky” without a care in the world while the rest of the Guardians are engaged in an intense battle. The film contains a bit of humor especially made for adult viewers that may go over the heads of younger audience members.
The music in “Vol. 2” is almost as important as the dialogue, and the soundtrack includes many well-known songs like Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” and Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me.” Instead of serving as a filler, like music sometimes can in lifeless films, the music in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” serves as a driving force for the film and is one of the many things that makes it a must-see film for anyone who loves superheroes, humor or just good music.
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