Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2

The Guardians of the Galaxy are back and this time they are slaying Dads AND planets!

Brandy, you’re a fine girl” (you’re a fine girl)
“What a good wife you would be” (such a fine girl)
But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea

These lyrics are spoken by Ego (fantabulously played by Kurt Russell) shortly after he makes a reveal to Quinn. A reveal that plays out most of this film making it a never-ending rollercoaster ride of fun, great music, wonderful characters and moments that will melt the coldest of hearts.

Picking up where “Guardians of the Galaxy”—2014’s highest grossing film of the summer—left off, Peter Quill aka Star-Lord and his gang of eccentric characters patrol and protect the universe, doing mercenary work in the wake of the popularity and fame garnered from saving Xandar. Set to the magnificent backdrop of Mixtape #2 (Parliament Funkadelic’s “Flashlight” is one of my favs), doing a seat boogie while rooting for the Guardians to prevail over evil was definitely part of the experience. No one was happier to see a thief, a thug, an assassin and an angry little tree reunited!

For “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” director James Gun, he was tasked with delivering a story that continued not only their exploits, but the Guardians’ evolution as characters. I can safely say…mission accomplished!!! Elaborating on the differences Gunn wanted to bring to this sequel, “…many sequels are not good..with the primary reason in studying them, is that they just seemed to do kind of the same thing the first movie did with a different template.” “Instead of doing that, we really tried to let these characters grow, change and watch them become new and different people.”

As Chris Pratt prepared to receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I interviewed him regarding his thoughts on Peter Quill and working with Kurt Russell. “What appealed to me most about this character was the opportunity to add my own personal brand of humor into it…just do the best version of my best stuff with Star-Lord.” said Pratt.

How did he feel about working with the legendary Kurt Russell? Pratt “fanned out”, which he did “immediately.” “The really cool thing and biggest secret is that you become somebody’s friend and somebody’s peer rather than being a fan.” “We connected on a lot of things outside of the movie and you know, I have his cell number and will give it to each and every one of you,” which obviously was met with uproarious applause.

Move over Quill and Gamora a new couple is stealing your shine in the form of Mantis and Drax. Mantis (Pom Klementieff) is adorably reminiscent of a little puppy with special powers who melts Drax’s stone-cold heart into mush.

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2..L to R: Drax (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

Elizabeth Debicki (Ayesha) and Karen Gillan (Nebula) keep “girl power” alive and strong as a few of our evil villains who bring it everytime they step onscreen. On the subject of objectification of females in film, Debicki shared, “…it is lovely to play Ayesha because she’s powerful and she keeps all her clothes on…sometimes a lot of clothes.”

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2..Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

Of course, there were numerous “easter eggs” throughout. Oscar winner Sylvester Stallone (Stakar) is seen in a few scenes and closing credits. Ving Rhames is Charlie 27. Michelle Yeoh is Aleta Ogord (the female Star Hawk) and…

Well…you’ll just have to check of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 on May 5th to find out the rest.

BTW…Did I mention loved it! I loved it and you will too!!!