When Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was announced many die-hard fans prepared themselves for ‘sequel syndrome’, the dangerous waters production companies navigate when attempting to milk the cow on hit movies. In most cases, the second movie feels like a microwave-meal version of the first one, and people are often let down by the promises of exaggerated epic trailers. This could have been the case for Guardians of the Galaxy if it were not for James Gunn’s exceptional gift for writing and directing movies.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is everything a blockbuster movie should be: a hilarious, spirited and unusually emotional experience. Three years after defeating Ronan, the villain with a major inferiority complex, Marvel’s biggest misfits are back. (*SPOILER ALERT*) Their latest assignment is to stop an alien slug from stealing the battery supplies belonging to a (conceited) people known as the Sovereigns who also happen to practice intergalactic eugenics. (*SERIOUSLY SPOILERS AHEAD*) Rocket the klepto racoon, or “trash panda” as Quill likes to call him, steals a few mini batteries and offends the sensitive Sovereigns, which leads to an all-out manhunt for the Guardians. Saved from near-death by a stranger called Ego (Kurt Russell, long time no see dude!) who also claims to be Peter’s dad, the Guardians head out on a new adventure on Ego’s planet. (*OKAY YOU’RE SAFE FROM HERE ON OUT*)
Set to the dad rock soundtrack of “Awesome Mixtape #2”, packed with 70s’ bangers that smell of sideburns and medallions, the film continues to explore the characters, revealing their deeper and darker sides. But it wouldn’t be Guardians of the Galaxy if things got too serious, so revel in the pathetic bickering, 80s pop culture references, Drax’s unfiltered thoughts and Rocket’s ball-sack and turd insults.
Long live the “motherf*ckin Guardians” and Quill’s Awesome Mixtapes.
If, like Quill, you want to take a trip down memory lane. Listen to both mixtapes here. Your parents will thank you for it.
