Minor spoilers about cameos ahead
So, something magical and amazing happened last night. I laughed, I danced, I may have at some point lost control of my bodily functions but thank Odin I wore dark colours. We had the awesome opportunity of being invited to the European Premiere of Guardians of the Galaxy vol:2 at the Hammersmith Apollo in London… and it did not disappoint one bit.
Before I begin this write up of this, 80s flashback discotheque, film experience, I’d like to start by saying one thing….
Entertainment Weekly can suck it!
Now obviously I need to back up that statement, but for anyone who’s read any of EW’s reviews recently on all things Marvel; they have not been very fair and seem to purposely shit on all things MCU. As a fan of both Marvel and DC (love me some Flash) I felt it the Geek Pride thing to do to come to the defence of this amazing film.
It’s been 3 years since we were first introduced to the misfit band of lovable A-holes and we’ve missed them so much.
The Hammersmith Eventim Apollo was the host to the Gala event, we collected the tickets, took our seats and immersed ourselves in the music playing by the Wurlitzer styled DJ near the stage, playing every hit from the 80s Peter Quill Comes from and of course the Awesome Mix Vol 1 soundtrack, a light show and laser effects, it was like being in a GOTG trailer.
The surprise guests were welcomed onto the stage with Fleetwood Macs iconic song “The Chain” which has become this films “hooked on a feeling”, it’s also a fitting song due to the nature and story of Vol 2. James Gunn is a genius when it comes to things like that.
James Gunn took centre stage and was joined by Pom Klementieff (Mantis), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Karen Gillan (Nebula), Michael Rooker (Yondu), Dave Bautista (Drax), Kurt Russell (Ego) and Chris Pratt (Peter Quill aka Star Lord). Each guest was met with thunderous applause and cheers, the atmosphere was electric and you couldn’t help but feel the good vibes and excitement coming off everyone.
The guests gave their thanks to the fans and the film began.
I’ll not sugar coat it, this film is amazing and it just shows you how Marvel is dominating the super hero cinematic universe still; obviously with the help from returning, and master of his craft, director, James Gunn.
This time around it’s all about Family, the ones we make, the ones we come from and the ones we chose for ourselves. The team struggles to keep its newfound family together as it unravels the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.
The laughs come straight away from the offset, an opening sequence that rivals the original in every way possible thanks to baby Groot (Vin Diesel Reprising) this time around and like a great Rock concert the film starts with an attention grabbing opening number or in the Guardian’s case, a rib tickling fight sequence with a load of innuendo and funny as hell one liners.
Rocket (voiced once again by Bradley Cooper) hasn’t changed and is still the lovable asshole with a fondness of all things Boom! And, Drax? Well he’s as literal as he was in the first film, more so in this volume if you can believe that. Dave Bautista has made the role of the Destroyer his own and I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing him with so much heart than the ex WWE wrestler does.
The film builds up with more smash hits with the inclusion now of Jack Burton himself Kurt Russell as Peter Quills father “Ego” the living planet in his Human form, I remember thinking there’s something shifty about his character and I was not disappointed. Kurt Russell brings his acting charm to the Marvel Universe as we’ve seen in his other films, he portrays Ego with selectiveness and I noticed in his performance subtle hints to past characters he’s played: the cockiness of Jack Burton, the sly nature of Snake Plissken and the ruthlessness of Soldier; it worked amazingly well.
Chris Pratt once again doesn’t fail or disappoint as Star Lord Peter Quill and Zoe Saldana was Beautiful and deadly once again as Gamora, I feel that the relationship between the two characters has grown since we last saw them; guess deep down their still like Kevin Bacon.
We get introduced to a new character in Mantis played by the French beauty Pom Klementieff, though she doesn’t have as many vocal scenes as the rest, what she does do in the film stands out and leaves an impact on you, especially that scene with her, Star Lord and Drax; Yeah you know the one!
Nebula played by Karen Gillan was the surprise twist and I must admit a pleasant one, no spoilers so don’t worry about that. Michael Rooker reprising his role as Ravager Yondu was amazing to see with his now unmistakable and recognisable fin on top of his shiny blue head, how he plays out in the story did leave a lump in my throat as to the story arch of “Family” and I feel James Gunn did an amazing job of subtly weaving it in and leaving the audience “awwing” which this geek did, several times.
This is a great Sequel and one that will go down with the likes of “the Dark Knight”, I may be taking a leap there but it’s my opinion in the matter. The pace of Vol2 is well rounded and doesn’t leave you with second guesses or leaving you scratching your head wondering what just happened.
I could go into detail on the rest of the film but I think it would ruin the thrill and experience of personally viewing this amazing space rock concert.
The surprises and twists come from all corners, even the cameo of Sylvester Stallone and Miley Cyrus were great and Stan Lee, what can I say about the Stan Lee Cameo? Well it’s something to “Watch” for! Nudge nudge wink wink!
Bad points? Cant think of any; its that good!
All in all a great film, with a great sound track and nearly as good as, if not in parts better, than Volume 1.. a 5 star film and goot portents for future endeavours in the MCU.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol2 is out on Friday with many cinemas doing a Midnight screening across the UK
Oh,oh and ill finish by saying there are 5 after credit scenes, yep you read that right……5! so make sure to stay in your seats,
Until next time, Wear your Geek with pride!
