Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
4 Stars out of 5
Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cv2ueYnKjg
This movie starts and ends with Groot. Seriously, I love this character. He was great in the first film, but it wasn't until the dancing baby Groot to close out the movie did we get a taste of what the character could and would become. And having dancing baby Groot open up Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was a stroke of genius. Everyone was just waiting for Groot and what better way to kick off a movie and get the entire audience on board right from the get go. I actually found both Groot and Rocket to be the stars of Volume 2. And ironic of all, it was their story that really had emotional pull for me. There's a lot to like about Volume 2. It's not perfect...but it does a great job of telling a story and giving other characters more room to shine this time around.
Dave Bautista as Drax really got to show what he's made of in the character. Wouldn't have really expected him to have so many laugh-out-loud moments, each one priceless in his delivery and execution. I also liked seeing both Yondu and Nebula getting a redemption arc, more so Yondu. His sacrifice and subsequent funeral/celebration was touching, which I didn't see coming at all. I imagine that Nebula will get a bigger redemption story in Volume 3. The cameo's were interesting to say the least from Sylvester Stallone and David Hasselhoff and Kurt Russell. I did notice both Ving Rhames and Michelle Yeoh as well. Be sure to watch the End Credits. THIS is how you do the credit scroll. There is a lot going on from the multiple bonus scenes to the 'I AM GROOT' credit reveals to the dancing GIFs. I'm sure those that worked on the film appreciate this knowing that everyone is sticking around....even if they aren't reading the credits. Anyway, this is a definite movie to add to your DVD library. There is so much humor peppered throughout the movie to keep you laughing.
James Gunn Reinstated by Disney, Will Direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fP3F_I3zuw
I'm actually STUNNED to hear the news that Gunn is coming back. Never in a million years did I expect Disney/Marvel to turn around and hire him back. I'm all for this. Without Gunn behind the Camera, I had no desire to see Vol. 3. Period.