The first Guardians of the Galaxy was a huge gamble for Marvel Studios. Their first new origin story after a trio of sequels with varying degrees of success, the madder basis was considered too risky a move for the hit studio, with many already considering it their first big failure ahead of its release. And yet, come August 2014, the world became enamoured by the galaxy-saving band of misfits; taking over the conversation for the remainder of the summer and remarked by some as being this generation's answer to Star Wars. With characters like Groot and Drax making large impacts with audiences and constantly being quoted across the Internet, it was proof that Marvel can go crazy and still be successful – something that they continue to do with further introductory movies such as Ant-Man and Doctor Strange, although both to a lesser extent as they were at least well-known characters. Which makes a sequel all the more difficult for returning director and screenwriter James Gunn - how to truly follow up on a film that's become one of the biggest hits of the decade? He does so by setting it six months later following the War of Xandar, which has given the intergalactic team a good reputation across the galaxy. We're reintroduced to our heroes ahead of a mission to defeat an interdimensional creature from destroying the batteries that the Sovereign – a race of incredibly serious gold people – place high importance on. Naturally, Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) opts to steal some behind their backs, which leads the team, alongside an imprisoned Nebula (Karen Gillan), stranded on an alien world. But this is where a mysterious being called Ego (Kurt Russell) makes his presence known; claiming to be the long-lost father of team leader Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and inviting them to join him and "pet" Mantis (Pom Klementieff) to his world, although it's possible that not all is as it seems. During this, Quill's former boss/kidnapper Yondu (Michael Rooker) is facing his own issues, as during an attempted ambush on the remaining Guardians mutiny unfolds, and they must team up and reunite before it's too late...
One thing to say right out of the gate is that this is Marvel's most gorgeous movie to date. There's been plenty of criticism in the past in regards to the studio's problem with cinematography and colourisation, but here it's at long last rectified, with huge bursts of colour and beauty across the entirety of the 130-minute runtime. Add to the increased detailing placed onto the likes of Rocket, Baby Groot and a variety of worlds and creatures, it makes the whole affair a lot more visually stimulating than plenty of Marvel's other movies. Likewise, Gunn's direction is solid; he's clearly got a strong idea now of where to take these characters and it's evident through his actors' performances he shares a strong rapport with them all. He cares about the world(s) he's got control of, and that care clearly shows.
Alas, the problems with the film lie more with its characterisation and story though, as poor Rocket – a firm favourite in the first film – has somewhat reverted back to being a bit more of an "A-hole". While it's hardly out of character for him to defy the team, the sudden reluctance to really get along with anyone whilst being increasing narcissistic has lessened his appeal. It may add a bit more story and character development for fellow disliked bounty hunter Yondu, but it ultimately makes him lesser for it. Likewise, the comedy feels a tad more forced, with some instances being a little ill-suited to the scene it's in; the most notable of which is a major revelation scene that helps lead into the third act that suddenly has a cameo that – while hinted at earlier on – doesn't work and only distracts from the impact of what's just been revealed. There's still plenty of big laughs to be had, but it's a matter of timing.
Luckily, the remaining cast of characters doesn't suffer in quite the same way. Chris Pratt is just as loveable as ever, with his interpersonal storyline bordering slightly on the Fast and Furious line (i.e. a lot of family talk) but never overstaying its welcome and being a good opportunity to properly delve deep into his character. Zoe Saldana is given more to do as Gamora this time around thanks to the C-plot focus on her and Nebula's relationship and their abusive childhood; giving plenty more insight in just what makes their characters the way they are. Dave Bautista remains a revelation as Drax, with surprisingly strong chemistry with newcomer Klementieff but perhaps too much focus on sexual humour as opposed to the literal approach to life that made his character so beloved in the first film; Bradley Cooper still delivers despite Rocket's rocky character deviation; Vin Diesel doesn't make quite the same impact as he did as an adult Groot but you can't deny that he's just plain adorable – plus he makes for a successful marketing ploy, so win-win for Disney/Marvel. Returning supporting character Yondu's return may be seen as something of a departure from the single-minded arc he underwent in the last film as a quaternary villain/ally, but Michael Rooker does sell the conflicted character well, even if an early interaction with Sylvester Stallone is far too 'on the nose' threatens to give the entire game away, whilst second-in-command/director's brother Sean Gunn's increased role makes him much more than just another cameo. Finally, Karen Gillan's return as Nebula is a massive improvement on last time, with an expanded role that works more than just a secondary bodyguard; with genuine depth and character development for the bionic blue cyborg, not to mention that her sisterly chemistry with Saldana is strong.
In regards to the newcomers, there are four major players: Ego, Mantis, Ayesha and Taserface. Ego is, of course, the biggest of the four, both in actual size (considering he's an entire planet) and in regards to his role in the film. Kurt Russel easily slips into the role of long-lost father here, playing an arguably silly role straight and presenting a foe that easily ranks higher than Ronan the Accuser, and maybe countless other Marvel villains seen in the past. Carer/pet Mantis is sadly a little lacking in any major character despite Pom Klementieff having strong rapport with Bautista, and it is a little weird in a film all about surrogate family looking over one another's flaws to have her be something of a punchbag, but she's likeable enough and at the very least brings an interesting new skillset to the team. Elizabeth Debicki's Ayesha is a middling secondary villain who straight-up disappears for half the movie, but is at least left with room to grow in the next film, whilst Chris Sullivan's Taserface is there more to give Rocket, Groot and Yondu something to do while the other Guardians are with/on Ego, but thankfully the laughs are strong enough to give his role some worthwhile credit.
Finally, it wouldn't be a Guardians of the Galaxy movie without an Awesome Mix, and while Tyler Bates' score packs less of a punch as his predecessor with plenty of recycled themes, the playlist is arguably stronger than before. Granted, the inclusion of some songs are downgraded to only being in the credits or given repeated moments from before (for example, the Groot opening credits dance is very much just a more ambitious - and admittedly better - version of Star Lord's dance in the opening of the earlier film), but the variety presented and the usage feels better-suited and allows for even more fun on later viewings.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a fun follow-up to a surprise smash hit that perhaps suffered too much from high expectations and a surplus of creative freedom. The characters go through similar motions as before, the jokes don't all land as well, and it just doesn't feel as fun, but what it lacks in the storytelling department it more than makes up for visually, with a vibrant and gorgeous colour palette to ensure that you can at least want to watch the film on the biggest screen you can find. 7/10.
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