Fix: Superhero Spectacular, Familial Issues, Adorable Anthropomorphic Tree Baby
Platform: Disney+
Netflix Summary:
After a lifetime of searching the galaxy for his father, Peter Quill finds him. And the truth is a little out there.
FYA Summary:
In their second movie together, the Guardians of the Galaxy—Peter “Star Lord” Quill, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot—find themselves rescued by Peter’s long lost father, Ego. The family reunion doesn’t go exactly as Peter might have hoped, however, and the Guardians have to turn to their not-so-biological family to once again save the day.
Familiar Faces/Voices:
Although Pratt had major roles in Everwood and Parks and Recreation prior to the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, it was the role of Peter Quill that truly elevated him to movie star status. And as questionable as he can be in real life, Pratt really is perfect as the sarcastic, naive, attractive-but-immature Peter Quill.
Gamora’s your stereotypical badass warrior chick with Daddy issues, but Saldana plays her really well.
Bautista’s Drax—and, you know, everything that The Rock is and does—is proof that WWE wrestlers are supremely talented actors in their own right. His timing, physicality, and ability to emote continues to impress me with each role I see him in.
Aside from Loki, who’s definitely my Problematic Fave, Groot is my favorite character in all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s really hard to beat such an adorable, innocent character. And the fact that he was once again voiced by Vin Diesel, who obviously has a very deep and adult-sounding voice in real life, delights me to no end.
I’ve enjoyed some of Cooper’s previous roles, but the snark and fire he infuses into a small, brilliant, genetically engineered trash panda is by far my favorite of anything he’s done. Something about Cooper’s tone and inflection just brings Rocket to life.
Yondu goes through a lot of character development in this movie, and it’s impressive how he shifts from semi-villain to pretty dang decent dude. It’s also awesome to see, in real life, how much Rooker enjoys having played the role, particularly his now iconic, “I’m Mary Poppins, Y’all” line.
Nebula’s a far cry from Gillan’s role as Amy Pond in Doctor Who, but I think this is another case, like with Pratt, that a role proved to Hollywood powers-that-be that the actor could do more than one kind of role.
It’s fun to see Russell in a villainous role. And dang if the guy doesn’t get better looking with age.
He’s no Kirk, but I love Kraglin as Yondu’s sidekick. And the fact that Gunn voices him like someone from the South, despite the fact that he’s an alien not from Earth, makes me laugh.
Sylvester Stallone as Stakar Ogord
Surprise!
Plus a ton of other cameos.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Round Up the Team
The Guardians of the Galaxy movies are some of the strongest, most entertaining of all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. They feature everything I love about what makes Marvel movies so appealing; they’re funny, action-packed, and full of feels, both good and bad. It’s the kind of movie that can appeal to all ages, too, so this is a good one to share with everyone you know. (Just maybe block your little kiddos’ eyes during the scene in which Yondo takes out all of the mutinous Ravagers. And when Baby Groot nearly gets crushed. </3 </3)
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Whiskey and Wine
You’re a fine girl/guy/preferred descriptor. You know how to lay it down … and fetch another round.
Use of Your Netflix Subscription: Tide You Over Until the Release of Phase 3
If you’re like me, you struggle with waiting for Marvel to release their fantastic boxed sets at the end of every “phase” and not being able to watch any of the movies at your whim until long after they’re originally released on DVD. Enter Netflix, which thankfully helps tide us completists over until we can get those special-edition physical copies in our nerdy hands. (Maybe this is just me? Regardless, I appreciate the ability to watch these goobers whenever and wherever I want.)
