Life isn’t perfect. That point is made in this explosive, action-oriented film. Fortunately for the viewer, the point is made with a lot of laughs. And this movie is a feast for the eyes, featuring dramatic effects, explosions, chases through space, shoot-’em-ups with laser blasts, and enough space hardware to fill a planet! Star Chris Pratt is back in this second installment, playing Missouri native Peter Quill, known also as “Star Lord.” When his long-missing father comes into his life, he learns the truth at last about his deceased mother and their relationship. And “Dad,” named Ego (Kurt Russell) has a few surprises in store for his boy. In another “life isn’t perfect” scenario, Gamora (Zoe Saldana) is pretty much hated by her sister, although she doesn’t really understand why. And Drax (Dave Bautista) no longer has a family.
The film introduces a new character, an “Empath” that can feel what others are feeling. In one comedic moment in the movie, she feels Peter’s romantic and “sexual” feelings toward Gamora, and Drax bursts out laughing. It is a delicious moment, and anyone who has ever had a personal secret revealed will relate to the scene. The movie makes so many great points including the fact that quite often we have right in front of us the very thing we are searching for. This particular revelation hits home, especially for Peter.
There is a lot of fantasy violence involving aliens and androids as much as humans, but very little comparative blood. The male organ is mentioned as it is asked of the “god” (little “G” he says) Ego, Peter’s dad, if he has such an organ and fathered Peter in the normal way. We learn he does, indeed.
Groot is funny as usual. When he has to find a particular object for a character and what he mistakes for the true object, on more than one occasion, becomes a bit of a running joke. The audience I screened the film with did a bit of everything that suggest a hit movie: they cheered, laughed, and clapped. We suggest parents consult the content listing to make their own informed choices. This movie takes the viewer out of the daily routine of life and lifts the audience into an imaginative and visually stunning world. And it manages to convey the message that life isn’t perfect, but there are perfect moments.
