Thank God for Michael Rooker

Rating: 7/10 (6 November 2017)

I really liked the first Guardians, and while I am getting tired of Marvel/Disney blockbusters, I wanted to give this one a shot because the first one actually felt like a movie instead of a spoke in some corporate wheel. I'm glad I did, because it's quite good. It's basically "just" a popcorn movie, but it's not without heart. I have gripes, but more about those later.
"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2" is pretty much the sequel most people probably expected. Likable characters, amusingly weird tone, effective themes and a brisk pace. You get another soundtrack full of good songs and they're used well, which isn't an easy thing to do. Most movies fail trying, because the intent behind it is cynical and based solely on cashing in on a trend. It works here though, and that's a good thing considering how bland the composed soundtracks in Marvel movies are, so at least we get something meaningful to listen to.
I don't know if I want to say much about the story. It's not engaging as a sequence of events, and the "lore" really doesn't matter to me. It's not great in that way. What matters here is the emotional resonance. Yes, we've seen and heard thousands of stories about family, friendship, finding one's place in the world and such. More often than not those stories feel forced, insincere and hollow. Here, they pretty much nail whatever they tried to accomplish. We get some nice, warm and even romantic moments along with sad reminders of loss, loneliness and other things we're all familiar with. When a popcorn movie manages to take you through that ride and end it just right so that you don't feel cheated, it's an accomplishment.
The cast is fine, and whenever the movie focuses on the characters it's so much better for it. That's where it shines - although sometimes the performances (or more likely the writing/directing concerning those characters and/or scenes) seem a little disingenuous as if they're just repeating certain antics. But fear not, because Michael Rooker takes over and steals the show. He is blessed with unstoppable charisma and he keeps this movie together. Even when he's spouting bad lines, he's entirely convincing and lovable all the way. Only Zoe Saldana can match him at times, but Michael Rooker is the best actor in Guardians 2, and at the same time his character Yondu is the best thing in the whole movie. Turns out we need him to be just that, because there are times when he has to carry the film.
There are two things holding Guardians 2 back. First one is some of the fantastical space action and parts of the plot involving it. At times it's fine and character-driven, and there are inventive little fun things weaved into the mix, but sometimes I felt like I was watching a video game with a very mediocre narrative. I wasn't invested and I was desperate to feel something. Here comes the second problem, which is far worse: the movie understands the first problem, and tries to cover for it with "funny" lines and wacky moments in order for us to feel something about the characters again. When it works, it's a nice distraction. When it doesn't, it's something straight out of bad sitcoms but just without the laugh track. Yes, I know this movie is supposed to be silly, but when it's trying too hard it loses its charm and it takes me out of the movie. If something is not funny or emotionally meaningful, don't try to force it or it becomes even worse than it was. And if the movie is having a moment, don't destroy that moment with a horribly-timed bad joke or a gag. Some of that stuff really took me out of the experience.
In the last act, this movie dives deep into mediocrity, but soon after finds its groove again and rises with astounding confidence. Just when I was about to give up, I was thinking of "Logan", where the last act totally lost me and I couldn't believe how disappointed I was - I couldn't even enjoy the few good last shots of that movie. Here, it was the opposite. When it was over, I felt rewarded. It hit me emotionally in a way that good directors know how to do. I gave James Gunn some crap about a few questionable character moments (if he's responsible for them that is, who knows with these billion-dollar franchises), but he seems to be a really good director, and I must respect him for writing the movie too. Characters aren't just cheap plot devices for him, most of them have real arcs. He knew when and how to dive deep into them when it was necessary and deliver sincere drama with blunt force. In the end, it was the ride I wanted it to be, even if I had my problems with it along the way. It feels like a movie made by someone who loved what he was doing, which is rare.
I guess that's it. Guardians 2 is not as surprising as the first one, but it's not a soulless sequel either. It's not the corporate product I feared it would be. While the story isn't that great and the characters don't always feel as genuine as I'd like, it still packs some emotional punch, a heart if you will. Some jokes and moments didn't work for me at all, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't amused, moved and entertained. Add Michael Rooker's exciting performance, and we have a movie that's easy to recommend for most people. Some grumpy, cynical people like me will have to adjust their expectations, but kids will love this. They'll eat this up like no tomorrow, and for once it's a good thing because Guardians 2 isn't cynical, exploitative or politically preachy as too many movies seem to be.