For Mother’s Day, my daughter and son-in-law took Hubs and me to see Guardians II. They’d gotten tickets for a new movie theater in town, one where you reserve specific seats and can have beer, wine or cocktails delivered to your seat, along with food (cheeseburgers, French fires, pizza). I had a vodka lemonade, which was a mellow way to start the movie.
Did I mention the seats are really wide and well padded? Good thing the movie was exciting, or I would have dropped off.
I had watched Guardians I a few weeks ago at home, on pay per view. I enjoyed it, but after seeing this sequel, it was clear you need to see it in a theater.
The movie is a film based on the Marvel comics superhero team of Guardians: Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldano), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket the raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel). In this adventure, Ayesha, leader of the Sovereign race, has the Guardians protect valuable batteries from an inter-dimensional monster in exchange for Gamora’s estranged sister, Nebula. Nebula hates her sister and is determined to kill her. Rocket steals some of the batteries and a fleet of Sovereign drones attack the guardians’ ship after they leave. The Guardians are saved by a person who says he is Quill’s father, Ego. The young Ego is an incredible CGI’d Kurt Russell, later replaced by the real actor. The rest of the film involves the revelation of the real Ego and the attempt to wreak vengeance on the Guardians by the blue skinned Yondu Udonta, a former Ravager (thief, pirate, goon played by Michael Rooker), who is hired along with his men by Queen Ayesha.
And that’s all I’m going to say about the plot.
The movie opens with the delightful scene of the mini-veggie Baby Groot, juking his way through ELO’s “Mr. Blue Sky.” I was hooked! The music, 70’s hits, is a real character in the film – Come a Little Bit Closer (Jay and the Americans) , My Sweet Lord (George Harrison), Southern Nights ( Glenn Campbell), Brandy You’re a Fine Girl (Looking Glass), just to name a few.
We were treated to an adventure filled with whimsy, humor and family. Family means the interaction between Quill and his father, Zoey and her sister, Yonda and the greater Ravager family, from which he has been expelled. And of course, the Guardian family. The characters really come into their own in this sequel, and we meet a possible new member, Mantis, a ditsy empath with antennae. 
The movie doesn’t lack for things that go boom! and there are striking visuals, great production design, some space battles, and lots and lots of laughs. The emotion gets a bit heavy at the end, but Guardians 2 is not a remake of the first movie – there’s no sophomore slump here, but a new and refreshing adventure. And a hint of the next one, in which Groot is an obnoxious teenager. You have to sit through the credits to see this.
I am not a follower of the super hero movies. I did see Spider Man and Thor, but that’s about all this aging brain can manage. With Guardians of the Galaxy, I’m a devoted fan and I look forward to their next adventure. With a cocktail, and possibly some French fries.
Sounds like a great way to spend Mothers’ Day. 🙂
It was, Jemima, and they took me out to dinner afterward!
A good movie and vodka lemonade – sounds like a perfect Mother’s Day treat.
You got it, Bernadette!
This sounds like a fun movie! Oooh I’m jealous of that comfy theater with drinks served!
Check it out – I think you’ll be laughing, even in a regular theater!
i might give it a go
See the first one on pay per view first – you get to see the grown up Groot – makes the baby Groot all the more funny! Great laugh lines but not for really young kids. I’d say YA.
That’s my levels!!
Hey, I’d go (or stay home and watch) just for the music! No, seriously, I like a good fantasy/sci fi movie. I didn’t know what this one was all about. Now I’m willing to go see it. Particularly if I can find a good theater like you enjoyed!
Form e the music was one of the best parts! I was singing along and trying not to be too loud about it!
Thanks, Noelle. I’ve been wondering about this one as I’d read good things about it, but haven’t watched the first one. Now I shall… 🙂
I think you’ll enjoy it – but make sure the sound isn’t too loud. I always stuff something in my ears in the movie theatres because they have the sound up too high.
I’m just slithering down in my seat, Noelle, and pretending I’m at the movies. 🙂 🙂
With or without a martini, Johanna? 😉
This was a fun review, Noelle. I enjoyed hearing about the cool theater as much as the movie! 😀 I’m glad you had a nice Mother’s Day. Mega hugs.
Thanks, Teagan. We’ll hit that theater and the cocktails again!
Sounds like a great new theater Noelle and I have seen the first film so will put this on the watch list. Our releases are a couple of months behind yours.. Will put in the blogger too tomorrow thanks…x
You might enjoy it,Sally – it’s a lot of fun -you can’t take it seriously.
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This sounds like a super movie. Both my boys have seen it but at 14 and 11 years old they preferred to go with friends.
Ah, but you would enjoy it – the music would be right up your alley! The boys wouldn’t get it!
Great review, Robbie.
Apologies, Noelle!!!
No problem -glad you liked it!
🙂
Thanks for the review! I have been debating going to see this movie. I loved Wonder Woman and wrote a review for it, but I heard mixed things about Guardians of the Galaxy II. I think I’ll have to check it out. Going to see Spiderman later!
I just reviewed Wonder Woman, too. Loved it. GG2 is a whole lotta fun. Next up for me is Spiderman, then Dunkirk.