Disney’s most recent films have gained notoriety for sending powerful messages and teaching important life lessons. Now, those important messages are making the leap into Disney’s Marvel universe.
The highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2” hit theaters on May 5. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, and the rest of the cast reprise their roles as members of the beloved rag tag team of intergalactic heroes.
An action-packed adventure turns into a family reunion when Star-Lord (Pratt) comes face to face with his long-lost father, Ego the Living Planet (played by Kurt Russell). While Star-Lord tries to bond with the father he never knew, the rest of the Guardians discover that Ego is hiding a dark secret, one that could very well cost Star-Lord his life.
The film is packed with action, humor, stunning visual effects, and, of course, an awesome soundtrack. More anticipated than the film itself is its soundtrack; audiences will find themselves singing along to such hits as Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass, and The Sweet’s “Fox on the Run.”
The theme of family and parenthood is pleasantly prominent throughout the film and the character development is strong. While Star-Lord bonds with his absentee father, Gamora (Saldana) finds herself attempting to mend old wounds with her sister, Nebula (played by Karen Gillan), while Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) takes on the challenge of raising the film’s little scene stealer, Baby Groot (Vin Diesel). “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” teaches viewers that family isn’t defined by blood, but by love and friendship.
Speaking of love, movie goers will fall head over heels for Baby Groot. From the moment the little sapling dances his way on screen, audiences will be captivated by his silly childlike antics. While he still has all of the strength and abilities that he possesses at full size, Groot is an infant at heart and the care he receives from the rest of the Guardians, his surrogate family, helps to reinforce the theme of parenthood.
Those who are planning to see the film should be aware that, as with all Marvel movies, there are extended scenes following the end credits. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” offers a whopping five bonus scenes that run before, during, and after the film’s final credits.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is a delightful journey of self-discovery, and its theme of familial bonds makes it the perfect film to see just in time for Mother’s Day. The film gets a 5/5.
