Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

A break-out hit in 2014, Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ introduced us to the adventures of Peter Quill, who together with his rag-tag collection of renegades, go on to become the self-appointed defenders of the galaxy. Previously abducted by aliens as a child, it is Peter’s on-going quest for his missing father that now threatens the delicate fabric of his new-found family in Vol 2.

…the 70’s nostalgic riff that made the first ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ so enjoyable seems to be back. However…

Opening with a loud, bouncing, tongue-in-cheek set piece scored to ELO’s ‘Mr Blue Sky’, the 70’s nostalgic riff that made the first ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ so enjoyable seems to be back. However after that initially incendiary scene, this sequel’s mixtape starts to stretch thin. Where the music in the first movie supported the narrative of its squabbling aliens and their growth into a family, the songs here feel like filler tracks in a drama which plays out all too predictably. Resolutely centred upon its already-established characters, the smorgasbord of alien creatures and odd-ball worlds that made the original so refreshing are nowhere to be seen. Instead of focusing on its bristling, argumentative characters, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ is a movie that wants to resolve all conflict and heal all its characters’ pains. However in doing so, it also cuts loose any tension and leaves this attractive movie adrift on the charms of its one-liners and supporting cast.

In what amounts to an awkward second album, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ leans so heavily on its retro-inventiveness that its imitation starts to feel like a lighter shade of pale. In a sequel that plays all the dramatic riffs you love, the story in-between the songs feels weak. However that said, with smart marketing and savvy scheduling, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ should definitely make it through to a third album – but you’ll be hoping that they have better tales to tell next time round.