A mixed bag

Rating: 5/10 (24 March 2019)

So here we have the follow-up to the highly successful GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, a film I thoroughly enjoyed for its coolness and irreverent tone. Sadly, this film can't hold a candle to the first, and indeed it suffers from all of the usual sequel problems that have plagued Hollywood down the decades. It tries to be bigger and badder but instead feels bloated and unnecessary, with a plot that involves the main characters sitting around aimlessly for a while and the only interest coming from supporting players in their own mini-adventures. The film has a dumber, more lowbrow feel than before, with jokes about body parts and functions that feel rather crass. On the plus side, the CGI effects are very good and there are fine performances, not least from the underrated Michael Rooker, but you can't help but feel that it's all a bit much.