Review: Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 (UK Cert 12A)

Guardians Of The Galaxy was a massive pleasant surprise for me when it came out in the summer of 2014. I knew very little about the background to the characters, so went in with very few expectations. It was my film of the year for 2014, and it did big business at the box-office. So it makes sense that they'd be back for another movie
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On the run from the Sovereigns after stealing some batteries they pledged to protect, the Guardians find themself under attack. However, help arrives in the shape of Ego, a benevolent protector... and Star-Lord's father. As Star-Lord gets to know his long-lost old man, the other Guardians have their own issues to deal with- ranging from sibling rivalry to regaining honour- whilst keeping an eye out for the Sovereign threat.

The returning cast all slip back into their characters effortlessly, so it's time to focus on the new characters coming in. Elizabeth Debicki lays on the icy hauteur beautifully as Sovereign priestess Ayesha, whilst Kurt Russell steals almost every scene he's in as Ego. Pom Klementieff is a lovely addition as Ego's companion Mantis, an empath who has the same very literal outlook on life as Drax (and who forms a lovely duo with Dave Bautista). Sylvester Stallone's role as Stakar Ogord, a Ravager who has a run-in with Yondu (Michael Rooker, rarely better), hints at something bigger to come- and, knowing there will be a Volume 3 coming at some point, lays the groundwork nicely.

Visually it's a real feast for the eyes and deserves to be seen on the biggest screen you can find (I saw it on a SuperScreen which was well worth it). From icy plains to lush verdant planets, the golden glow of the Sovereigns to Nebula's chrome and blue make-up, everything looks fantastic. The action set pieces are all done really well too, even if the opening one is a bit of a cheat. You'll know why when you see it.

Just like the first film, the soundtrack is an integral part of the movie. Starting out with 'Mr Blue Sky' by ELO and taking in tracks by Fleetwood Mac, Glen Campbell, George Harrison, and Sam Cooke (among others), it's eclectic and absolutely rocking.

The film is full of great little moments too. I don't want to get too spoilery, but look out for these three things which made me smile immensely: 'trash panda', a very surprising cameo, and the adorable Baby Groot's struggle with which button to press (part of which is teased in the trailer). Also, there are five- yes, five- mid- and post-credits scenes, so stick around for them. All bar one are just standalone little jokes, which will raise a smile- but one does also hint at a future enemy for the Guardians to face.

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 isn't a lazy cash-in sequel; it isn't just 'more of the same as the first one'. Writer-director James Gunn has created a cheeky, raucous romp with an unexpected heart. It gets a little bloated, especially during the second act (with all storylines competing for time) but it can be forgiven for that as the surrounding material is so good. Another triumph for MCU. Bring on Spider-Man: Homecoming!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Tez

Review: Fast & Furious 6

Fast & Furious 6

First things first, a franchise of films that’s managed to not only make it part 6, but for the films to have missed the straight to rental market is impressive. On top of that these films still have the two main lead actors attached to them (of course not including Tokyo Drift – but watch part 6 and that instalment makes more sense!).

No matter your opinion on the Fast Franchise, the ridiculous imaginative sequel names and the then basic given up on naming them and just add 5 and 6 to the title! What you do have is a crime, action, car fuelled decade old story. The Fast and the Furious came out all the way back in 2001- which centred around the plot of an undercover cop (Paul Walker) who infiltrates an underworld subculture of Los Angeles street racers looking to bust a hijacking ring, and soon begins to question his loyalties when his new street racing friends (led by Vin Diesel) become the prime suspects. The original movie was a surprise hit that year, it tapped into the Max Power culture and delivered what is basicly a remake of Point Break with cars.

That film was the launchpad for Vin Diesel, he did not return for the sequels that followed, 2 Fast 2 Furious & Tokyo Drift (apart from a small cameo). The gear shift in this franchise was when in 2009 Fast & Furious (4) was released, with all the stars from the first film returning and the film was a following on of the story from that first film. This fourth film, but in many ways the first real sequel was a huge success and brought with it a follow up in Fast Five, which brought into the fold Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

This brings us a decade or more on and we have Part 6 in the cinema – our heroes are living off the millions they acquired in film 5 during there Rio Heist. When Michelle Rodriguez' character believed dead is seen carrying out high speed Heist in Europe – a deal is made with the Rocks Federal Agent and gang are back together to track down Rodriguez and doing so they will be awarded pardons and a chance to return home to the USA.

Ludicrous plot, ridiculous premise – yes! But frankly who cares – the characters are so well oiled by now in this sixth adventure – the acting is superb, the chemistry between them all is awesome. Diesel is at his best in this film, Johnson is superb – proving why he’s become to be known as franchise saver (GI JOE?) - the entire cast get my hat off to them.

Luke Evans villain Shaw as an ex SAS gone crook – is slick, evil at its best. The action scenes in this film wouldn’t look out of place in a Bond movie – carried out to the absolute maximum – nothing this year will beat this film for real world set action set pieces. The scale is breath taking – scene after scene the film builds to what can only be described as the biggest action car action scene ever put to film.

This film is by far the best action movie in years – characters with depth, charm and wit portrayed by a great all round cast. The films style and direction is outstanding and frankly its a fun night out and a must have on a DVD shelf.

5 out of 5 – Rhys