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Anyone can save the galaxy once.

Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2, USA, 2017. Written and directed by J. Gunn (from the comic books by D. Abnett & A. Lanning). With Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper. Original music by T. Bates. Length: 136′. Rated: PG-13.

Peter and his crew are determined to continue to offer their combat skills as mercenaries, but Rocket had the unfortunate idea to rob some of the extremely valuable batteries they had to protect, increasing the number of people chasing them. The unexpected arrival of Quill’s father Ego seem to be strictly coincidental, but the truth is far more complex and the galaxy, maybe the universe too, is in danger this time…

Can one of the most successful cine-comics ever made beat itself in its sequel? Well, yes. it could have, at least. Alas, the final result is incredibly high, which is a greater merit because of the success of the first installment, but it’s slightly less competitive in an hypothetical chart of MARVEL’s movies where, in any case, would be one of the top 5 at least.

The story is set up in a very clever way: the principal narrative line is extremely interesting and it could keep up the movie alone, thanks to the incredibly rhythmic dialogues and of course to the balance of comedy and drama already tested in the previous movie. It’s the comedy that really is the most interesting feature of both the Guardian’s movies and in this one it’s explored in even new ways, helping keeping the tension rate low especially where the story would be most thrilling.

Honestly, there are a few moments where the movie risks a downfall: the final battle, with the incredible number of fighters and the highest visual effects collection I’ve ever seen, seems a bit longer then it could (and maybe should) have been, but not enough to kill the viewer’s engagement.

Speaking of directing and photography, well, together with the visual effects unit they really did something amazingly spectacular: colors, lights, shadows, frame building and also make-up and CGI makes it all fantastical, as in not-real, but extremely believable and authentic at the same time. Something more than any other movie has done until now.

The cast stays on the great level of their first one: Chris Pratt/Peter Quill is still a bit rough in it’s character growth, it would seem; there are still a few moments where Pratt shows that he is still exploring his character in depth, waiting for the right movie to come out in all its potential; Gamora is way more complex in this movie and Zoe Saldana raises her skills to keep up with her; Dave Bautista is finally becoming a true actor, maybe thanks to Drax. No way I’m saying anything about Sylvester Stallone, who’s cameo is slightly more important than Stan Lee’s (who’s brief appearance is one of the most successful of the entire multiverse), whilst Kurt Russell’s impact on the movie is really high and decisive, since the role of Ego is essential to the story. The greatest character though are still Rocket, whose perfect lines are much improved by the talent of Bradley Cooper, and ‘Baby’ Groot, voiced (where necessary) by Vin Diesel and of fundamental importance in the whole balance of both the comedy and the drama sides of the movie.

What can I say about the soundtrack? The “Awsome Mix vol. 2” is nothing but outstanding, maybe even more then its predecessor; the song choice is always appropriate, the final touch that I don’t want to spoil is touching and brings composure and entirety to the whole. The music is really a character here, even if, for the most part, there’s no novelty in it.

Maybe it’s not better the the first: so what? The tiny little detail that is keeping up to the expectation after a masterpiece of the genre as “Guardians of the Galaxy” was and still is has to be enough not to undervalue this intermediate chapter, waiting for Star Lord and his friends to finally meet… “The Avengers”!

 

DOWNLOAD REVIEW IN PDF: Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2, 2017

LEGGI LA RECENSIONE IN ITALIANO: Guardiani della Galassia vol. 2 – Recensione