QUEZON City, Philippines – Grossing $509 million worldwide, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is the fifth highest- grossing film of 2017. And it’s all thanks to baby Groot.
Ever since the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie was shown in 2014, Marvel fanatics have been anticipating its follow-up. And the sequel has pretty big shoes to fill because the first movie has that perfect measure of camp, cheesiness and comedy plus lots of amazing special effects, ’80’s music and a great story to make it a guaranteed 100% cinematic gold.
Will Vol. 2 crash down due to the overwhelming weight of expectations from moviegoers?
In my humble, amateurish movie reviewer opinion, Vol. 2 surpassed Vol. 1 in sheer fun. From its thrilling visuals, action-packed plot and humor that borders on the irreverent, Vol. 2 offers one a satisfying cinematic experience.
After all, Vol. 2 has something that the first movie does not.
That something is baby Groot!
Every time the adorable alien shows up, the audience cannot keep still, and react unanimously to the bundle of cuteness that is baby Groot.
From his own misadventures, his love of dancing, his unexplained hatred of Drax, and his cute lack of comprehension, baby Groot is truly the star of the movie.
A close second is the female empath whose clueless act has everyone laughing at her, especially when she is the victim of Drax’s unvarnished truth.
Comedy aside, the Guardians movie also packs some serious punch especially when it tackles the issues besetting our beloved mismatched crew. This proves that even if you are hopping all over the galaxy, trying to do good, you are not exempted from problems like parental abandonment, dysfunctional family, feeling left behind and alone. What makes our heroes heroic is that despite the issues, they still manage to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
Some movie goers may be bewildered with the plot. My advice is to throw your worries away! There is no need to understand what is going on. Just immerse yourself in the beautiful mess that is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
And of course, show your love for baby Groot.
written by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin