Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

There always seems to be an overlying sense of doubt towards comic book movie sequels. Very rarely do they tend to get held in the same or even higher regard as the first one. Really, the level of expectation that's set is often an absurd one to achieve.

That all said, how does James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 fare? Much like its predecessor, its level seriousness varies from low to nonexistent. But at the same time, it's more grounded than the first one. (Strange but true.)

But how is that so? you may ask. Well, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has family as its main theme, something the average superhero movie usually doesn't focus on. And not family in the metaphorical sense (though it does focus on that as well), actual blood relations. How often do you see that in a superhero movie?

Of course the primary actors of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 are good in reprising their roles. (Chris Pratt towards the end has the making of a potential legitimacy as an actor.) And in keeping with the movie's 80s nostalgia, Kurt Russell and Sylvester Stallone (who has a smaller role despite his name on the poster) seem like inspired inclusions.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a surprisingly mature entry for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As its predecessor also showed, its darker themes are masked by bright colors and crude humor (as some previous MCU titles have also done). But will further works in this franchise follow suit?

My Rating: ****1/2