Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2

When I first saw "Guardians of the Galaxy" a few years ago, I really did not know what to expect as I was not familiar with the characters or the story. When the first scene came up, a sad boy in a hospital playing a cassette tape with "I'm Not in Love" playing, I thought "Huh? Wasn't this supposed to be a 'space movie' why were we back in Earth?" Turns out the film had more human and earth elements to it and ended up being my favorite Marvel movie-ever. It feels like James Gunn's bunch of a-holes hijacked my love and I was a fan ever since. 

Now, with the much awaited finally hitting theaters, things can get a little tricky. You see a sequel to a much loved movie can either be a success or a disaster and with the many super hero movies that have come out in the past few years, who really remembers the second one right? well, except for "Captain America: Winter Soldier" the rest are forgettable and fall under that obscure list of movies you forgot that you actually saw. 

Well I'm glad to say that "Volume 2" of the Guardians of the Galaxy delivers and stands on its own amidst the many super hero movies that come out year after year. The team becomes more of a family unit and this time things are personal. I love how they were able to keep much of the plot underwraps despite the highly anticipated trailers, you really weren't sure where the story was going, except that the guys are back and are hilarious as ever. Which is why I will honor this tradition as well and keep this review as spoiler free as possible. 

Being a music geek, the now ingenious, unprecedented and probably game changing decision of director James Gunn to not only feature 70's pop music but to successfully incorporate it into the story has become a distinguishing trait of the film, one that has fans like me, born decades after discovering a treasure trove of awesome music and this continues in the sequel. Unlike in the first movie where you were not expecting a mix tape of songs to feature so prominently in the film, this time around you have an idea of what's going to be playing and (if you're like me) you have already listened to and downloaded some of the songs, it would be no surprise that you would be singing and dancing to the different songs (even if you're just seeing the movie for the first time). I have a vinyl of the first film's soundtrack and will definitely get one for the sequel! Currently listening to the songs from the two movies, which is also downloaded on my Spotify account. 

The film once again opens with a flashback on Earth and looks into Peter Quill's (AKA Star-Lord, played by Chris Pratt, who now has a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star under his name, by the way) parentage, we know his music loving mom passed away in the first movie but who is the "star man" that she fell in love with and whose genetic code made it possible for Peter to hold an infinity stone (again, in the first film) -albeit for a short moment only? This is a central theme in the movie and which is where much of the plot revolves in and-that's all that I'm saying about that. *zips lips*. 

Groot (Vin Diesel) is now Baby Groot and is loveable and adorable as ever. Ever time he is on screen, the audience would just 'awwwww' and he just makes you want to take him home. But I think the one who stole the show was Drax (Dave Bautista) whose literal humor and dead pan delivery just had audiences laughing every time he was on screen.  

I'm glad that Micheal Rocker's Yondu gets more screen time and that we look into his character - 'Why did he keep Peter all those years ago?'

Some things I didn't like about the movie though? Well it seems that everyone has some issue that needs to be dealt with (which was unnecessary for some) and some jokes were played through rather extensively. 

Aside from the things I mentioned though, "Vol. 2" is a fun, personal movie which maintains the same charm and humor which made the first movie so memorable and a fan favorite. 

I thought, well, Paul and I thought that the 3D conversion (it's probabbly better in IMAX) was a bit too dark and will definitely see the movie again when it comes out. 

There are four mid credits and one post credit scene after the film, so just sit back and enjoy the ending credits, its actually pretty entertaining and opens up a whole lot of possibilities in the future *winks*. 

8.5 out of 10. "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol.2" is now showing in cinemas!

#RockTheGalaxyPH 
#GOTGVol2  

Movies: Cooper, Diesel Team Up As Rocket, Groot In "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.2"

Superstars Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel return to lend their voices to Rocket and Groot in Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vo. 2, the highly anticipated sequel, featuring the world’s favorite band of intergalactic misfits.

The action-adventure is written and directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, Dawn of the Dead).

When it comes to voices, James Gunn knows Rocket’s better than anyone as the director has many times professed that there is a little bit of himself in the character. Rocket, a tortured little beast who’s been torn apart and put back together, is still incredibly funny and heartfelt at times, particularly as voiced again by Academy Award® nominee Bradley Cooper.

A scene stealer in the first Guardians of the Galaxy with only the same three words of ‘I am Groot,’ was the wise, old, talking humanoid tree creature Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel. Despite his unique appearance and extremely limited communication skills, Groot embedded himself in the heart of audiences around world with just those three little words. A valuable ally and a loyal friend to Rocket and the Guardians, the character makes the ultimate sacrifice and returns in the sequel as a baby Groot.

Voiced again by Diesel, the little Groot is a totally different character. “He doesn’t have the memories of adult Groot and he is a baby,” explains Gunn. “He’s completely adorable, but has a lot more anger issues than adult Groot did. All of the other characters react to Baby Groot in different ways. Drax doesn’t like him. Rocket yells at him a lot, but he is okay with him. Gamora definitely has motherly instincts towards him, and Quill barely acknowledges his existence.”

Picking up where Guardians of the Galaxy—2014’s highest grossing film of the summer—left off, Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the action-packed, irreverent, epic space adventures of Peter Quill aka Star-Lord and his gang of eccentric characters as they patrol and protect the universe, doing mercenary work in the wake of the popularity and fame they garnered from saving Xandar.

Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, the story follows the team as they fight to keep their newfound family together while traversing the outer reaches of the cosmos to unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.

The film stars Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax, Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot, Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket, Michael Rooker as Yondu, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha, Chris Sullivan as Taserface, Sean Gunn as Kraglin, Tommy Flanagan as Tulik, Laura Haddock as Meredith Quill, with Sylvester Stallone as Stakar, and Kurt Russell as Ego.

Opening across the Philippines on April 26, 2017, Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

MOVIES: "AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR” STARTS PRODUCTION, PHASE 3 DETAILS TEASED

Marvel Studios has officially announced the production start of Avengers: Infinity War via a featurette that shows Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Tom Holland (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) and Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord).

Watch the featurette at http://youtu.be/sAOzrChqmd0.

Prior to the release of the first featurette, Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man) hosted a Facebook Live, to answer fan questions. Here’s everything we learned from the live chat (and the first Avengers: Infinity War featurette) so far:

• Tom Holland will be reprising his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
• Chris Pratt‘s Peter Quill/Star-Lord will also be joining the fray.
• Robert Downey Jr. still fondly remembers the Mark 42 from “Iron Man 3”
• “Avengers: Infinity War” kicks off with tension as Captain America is still on Iron Man’s “S-List”
• Reflecting on his appearance in the first “Iron Man” to “Avengers: Infinity War,” Downey says “[Tony Stark] has matured a bit. What has changed is the universe around him.”
• Stark’s universe now involves Peter Parker, the Guardians and Doctor Strange.
• Joe and Anthony Russo have never fought on set
• The three Avengers the Russo brothers would go on a family vacation with: Tony Stark, Peter Park, and Vision.
• Start of production officially began last month in Pinewood Atlanta.
• Thanos will be “the most frightening villain the Avengers have ever faced;” he’ll show us all why he’s “the biggest, the best, the baddest villain that we’ve ever had.”
• The Avengers are completely unprepared to face Thanos as a result of the events of “Captain America: Civil War” leaving the Avengers a team name with no team members.
• Get ready for the Guardians of the Galaxy / Avengers team-up as we see Thor fighting alongside Rocket Raccoon
• The Russo brothers confirm two films will be deeply connected – “these next two Avengers films will be an event like no one has ever seen on film before”
• Downey drives that point home as we’ve come to learn the next two Avengers will be filmed back-to-back for a “year of fun-filled lensing”

Avengers: Infinity War will hit US theaters May 4, 2018, with the second part following on May 3, 2019.

Continuing a cinematic universe that launched in 2008 with Iron Man, Infinity War promises an epic story that will bring in characters from a decade of films. The cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Elizabeth Olsen, Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Pom Klementieff, Tom Holland, Peter Dinklage and Josh Brolin as Thanos. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo, who return after Captain America: Civil War, are directing both Avengers: Infinity War and the untitled second half, which will close Marvel Phase 3.

Movies: NEW “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2” TRAILER HOOKS YOU ON A FUNNIER FEELING

This has been burning up on my timeline! The guys are back and everyone loves it! It's interesting that the trailer reveals little of the story but focuses on it's characters, whom people have fallen in love with-and can I just say that Baby Groot and Drax just stole this trailer! Can't wait for April 26! 

In case you're wondering, the song in the trailer is "Fox on the Run" by Sweet (1974). 

It’s showtime. Obviously. Watch the brand new Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 teaser trailer that's just been launched by Marvel Studios at https://youtu.be/dW1BIid8Osg.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is written and directed by James Gunn. The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana as Gamora; Dave Bautista as Drax; Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket; Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot; Michael Rooker as Yondu; Karen Gillan as Nebula; and Sean Gunn as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan and Kurt Russell.

Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is produced by Marvel Studios’ president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Nik Korda and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Opening across the Philippine on April 26, 2017, Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.  

Movie News: THE “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY” RETURN IN NEW POSTER, TRAILER

Your favorite intergalactic misfits line up for a fresh look at Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" with the unveiling of a teaser trailer which may be viewed at http://youtu.be/2WhQcK-Zaok.

From director and screenwriter James Gunn himself: “So the first Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 trailer will be coming in not too long, but we know how thirsty you guys are for a glimpse - so we put together this special sneak peak at #GotGVol2 for you.”

The gang's back together in a new poster as well, with Yondu and Nebula joining Quill, Gamora, and Drax, offering a tease of the mischief and mayhem our heroes have in store for us next year.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is written and directed by James Gunn. The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana as Gamora; Dave Bautista as Drax; Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket; Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot; Michael Rooker as Yondu; Karen Gillan as Nebula; and Sean Gunn as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan and Kurt Russell.

Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is produced by Marvel Studios’ president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Nik Korda and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Opening across the Philippine on April 26, 2017, Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Enjoy Marvel Movies for only P50.00 in Select SM Cinemas!

Remember that Cornetto commercial "San Makakarating ang P20.00 mo?" (Where is your P20.00 going to get you?). I ask you the same question with "San Makakarating ang P50.00 mo?" 

Well apparently you can re-watch and enjoy your favorite Marvel movies in all the glory of the cinemas PLUS get an extended look at Ant-Man before it hits cinemas on July 15. 

Marvel's Super Hero Mania is available at select SM Cinema Branches: Mall Of Asia, North Edsa, Megamall and Manila. 

Promo is available from July 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12! 

Guardians Of The Galaxy Goodies!

Look at what came in the mail today! Thank you so much Marvel Philippines and Columbia Pictures for these Guardians Of The Galaxy goodies! <3

Still-my favorite Marvel Movie to date (movie review here) the package also came with Movie Passes to see Gurardians Of The Galaxy. Now, I've already seen the movie and loved it! So I decided to give the passes to my mom and brother who haven't seen it yet. I wanted to share to them what a great movie Guardians was. Even if my mom is not a geek like us, I'm sure she'll still enjoy the movie especially because of the awesome soundtrack!

TRIVIA! Did you guys know that the character of Peter Jason Quill AKA Starlord was co created by Steve Englebert and Panday co-creator Steve Gan?! Yes! That Panday! Our Panday! Pinoy Pride right there!

Here's to more memorable Marvel movies and to Directors like James Gunn who brings heart to movies! <3 Can't wait for the sequel! ^_^ In the meantime, I'll also definitely watch out for the OST (I want a physical copy) and the movie in DVD! 

Photo from our friend Mark Cerbo :) 

Guardians Of The Galaxy Movie Review

When I first heard that Marvel was coming out with a Guardians Of The Galaxy movie it didn't really register on the need to watch scale since it was based on a relatively unknown franchise, although Paul has read the comics so I was sure he was going to be nitpicky about it too. I even read articles online predicting that it would be Marvel's first flop but then I saw the trailer and I was sold! 

The trailer was new, fresh and hilarious! Then the reviews started coming in and they were all gooooooood! Will definitely watch out how it does in the weekend box office. :) 

I'm glad to say that my expectations that it would be a good, nay great movie were met and I can officially say that Guardians Of The Galaxy is my favorite Marvel movie to date! 

I want to watch it again!  

I jumped at the chance to watch Guardians Of The Galaxy, or from here on out GOTG :) and thanks to Cadbury and Nuffnang Paul and I were able to watch it on it's first day screening and for the first time Paul was not shaking his head at the end of the movie. He thinks that Marvel movies are not all that and are oftentimes are all just hype but at the end of GOTG he actually said that it is one of the Marvel movies that he likes -and that is saying a lot!

So - on to the movie review! 

I will proceed and go on without spoilers so you oh dear reader can enjoy it as much as we did. 

A bounty hunter for collectible items or 'ravager' Earthling Peter Quill (Cris Pratt) AKA Star Lord comes across an orb, which a lot of people seem to be looking for, most notably Ronan the Acuser (Lee Pace) a powerful Kree madman bent on destroying the planet Xander.  

In a scuffle to keep the orb safe in his possession Quill ends up in Klyn a maximum security space prison where he makes the most likely of alliances with Rocket Racoon (Bradley Cooper) - a product of experiments, he is a talking Racoon, tactical and weapons expert he can make a bomb out of your phone. Groot (Vin Diesel) a tree like alien who is Rocket's muscle. Gamora (Zoe Saldana) an assassin and the step daughter of Thanos the mad titan, who makes a cameo in the movie, sans gauntlet. They are joined by Dave Batista (Bautista's) Drax the Destroyer - he takes everything literally so be careful what you say, you wouldn't want to mess anyone with 'the Destroyer' as their street name.    

And yes that is a prosthetic leg -
you have to watch the movie to find out why that's there! 

Together this unlikely group take on a deadly threat, bigger than any of them and it is a great adventure filled with laughs and a little bit of tears. 

I laughed, I cried, I hated the bad guy, I was worried for the characters, for me this completes the recipe for an enjoyable movie. 

Director Dave Gunn made true to his promise that the movie will be character focused and looking back at it, that was the true charm of the movie, through it's characters.  

I loved that the lead characters were not your traditional heroes per say, none of them were the perfect soldier, a god or a sexy assassin-scratch that Guardians has one of those but you get my point. Instead they were the most unlikely of heroes, a rag tag team that made up the misfits of the universe, initially driven by their own selfish goals they found something inside them that would make them genuine heroes. 

The movie, focused on the basic value of friendship, one that we often take for granted and forget.