GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 2
CERT 12A, 135 MINUTES, OPENS 28 APRIL
THE PLOT
Three years ago, space adventure Guardians Of The Galaxy delivered the surprise smash of the summer, catapulting Parks And Recreation star Chris Pratt into the Hollywood A-list, and proving that Marvel could make movie hits out of even its less popular characters. Now we catch up with the gang (see our character guide, right) as they travel the cosmos and unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s parentage.
WHAT’S RIGHT/WRONG WITH IT?
Marvel’s owner Disney was unable to show this film in time for our print deadline, but this much we know for sure: while the theme last time around was about a bunch of outsiders becoming a family, this time it’s about being one. (Incidentally, that’s also the theme of the Fast & Furious franchise, with which Guardians shares a couple of notable actors.) Director James Gunn promises that, having set up the characters in the first film, this one offers a lot more time for story. This may or may not be a good thing – really, it was the character interaction, not the galaxy-saving plotline, that appealed so much originally. Novelty will come from an expanded role for Gamora’s sister Nebula (Karen Gillan), the replacement of Groot (who died in
Vol 1) with Baby Groot and, of course, the arrival of Kurt Russell as Peter’s suitably named father Ego – who is apparently a “living planet”, whatever that means.
VERDICT
For those of us outside the fanboy niche, the first Guardians Of The Galaxy was not hugely anticipated, and delivered a very pleasant surprise. This time around, the expectation bar has been raised a lot higher. Whatever the outcome, we’re sure looking forward to discovering what’s on Awesome Mix Tape Vol 2. Charles Gant