GotG Vol. 2

[nrgburst]

I got to see it opening weekend here (yay!) and I’m a little disappointed there was no promotional postcard given out like I got for Pacific Rim and The Force Awakens. Come on! We got it a whole week later than the rest of the world- no goodies? :(

It was awesome anyway- I laughed, I cringed, I cried. I didn’t expect the latter- GotG doesn’t take itself that seriously so I didn’t expect to be moved to tears not once but twice. The emotional scenes were really well done too- I loved the character/relationship arcs and the continuing theme of found family. Plus the execution was great, with fun camera angles and pretty graphics and the way the music meshed. Baby Groot was especially adorable! His last scene where he went from one loving Guardian to the next by holding out his arms in a silent “pick me up” was just so childlike and sweet. <3

Obviously my fave is Gamora, and I loved how we got to see growth in different relationship dynamics, with the focus being on her strained relationship with Nebula. After Nebula cut off her hand to spite her sis at the end of GotG, it made sense that Gamora refused to admit that she chased her down for personal reasons. And I loved all of the bickering, resentment and unending sibling rivalry! I didn’t expect Nebula to confess how badly she just wanted a sister though- anybody else find that a bit odd, considering how hard she found it just to sort of hug Gamora in the end? I dunno- it felt odd that she was conceding anything, especially such a huge emotional point while they were fighting.

Also, I LOVED the Starmora development, even though it’s nixed New Romantics as canon compliant. (Oh well.) My favorite part is that he’s way, way more emotionally invested than her and everybody knows it. *chortles with glee* It’s a slow burn, FINE, I’LL TAKE IT.

I also found the character parallels interesting- like how Peter and Ego were both crass, womanizing dudes and Rocket and Yondu saw each other as mirrors. Plus how they paralleled/contrasted the Death in Space thing from the first movie with Peter/Gamora to the horror of it being done to the Ravagers, and then finally Yondu's peaceful smile- just perfect. Yondu's gentle pat on Peter's face reminded me fiercely of that scene in The Force Awakens too. Uggghhhh.

Speaking of sadness, I also really liked how they had Mantis convey Drax’s heartbreak while he was speaking so lovingly about his daughter. It was a nice contrast to how disposable Ego's offspring were, how he valued himself and his goals more than even his oft stated love for Merideth and pride over Peter. 

 All in all, a great sequel that both built on and added depth to the story and characters from the first GotG. Anybody see it in 3D? I’m debating going into town next week to see it in 3D if it’s worth the additional cost. (Local theater doesn’t have a subbed version in 3D.)

Comments

[skye_writer]

I really enjoyed GotG2 as well! I loved all the stuff with Gamora and especially Nebula, who is my fave. (Granted that's kind of a part of my fandom for Karen Gillan from my Doctor Who days, but even so.) Was also not expecting all the Emotions, though I didn't come close to crying. Oh well.

I have not seen it in 3D, so I can't tell you anything about that. I tend to avoid 3D to be honest. Wearing glasses over my glasses is... not fun. <__<

[nrgburst]

I actually got laser surgery several years ago so I can now watch 3D without the hassle! But I know exactly what you mean!

[maplemood]

Speaking as someone who really did like GOTG, I thought that GOTG Vol 2 was about ten times better in the best way. It takes themes they set up in the first film and really builds on them in some interesting (and heartbreaking!) ways. The whole Yondu & Peter relationship was a real punch in the gut that I was not expecting, and I ADORED Baby Groot, especially his scenes with Gamora. She's obviously his adopted mom/big sister and it was just perfect. Also loved Gamora and Peter's maybe, maybe-not romance, though I am glad that they decided to put a bit more focus on her relationship with Nebula.

I haven't seen it in 3D, but any excuse for a rewatch is a good one. :)

[nrgburst]

As a sequel, it really, really hit all the arcs right- I was super impressed! I agree that the focus on Gamora&Nebula over Peter/Gamora felt right too. And Baby Groot was ridiculously adorable- my kids are totally enamored! LOL

I agree! I think I might go this Wednesday! :DDD

[batmarg]

I just watched it last night and really enjoyed it. I didn't expect to cry either, but I did. The first movie was misfits finding their place and this one was family relations, which was a logical step.

I think while Nebula's confession was inevitable at a point, I think it was a bit early in the story/series. I loved the Starmora too, which I think they are pacing perfectly. Slow burn works for them.

[nrgburst]

I think while Nebula's confession was inevitable at a point, I think it was a bit early in the story/series.
Yeah, it felt rushed? There wasn't enough hashing out of why she was so furious and yet willing to forgive, IMO. Maybe if we'd seen more of their relationship in flashbacks, even the way they did Peter's flashbacks as a montage with Yondu, it would have felt more organic.

Yeah, agreed with Starmora, especially considering the timeline isn't matched up with the rest of the MCU in this movie! It totally works!