Sign up for Meridian’s Free Newsletter, please CLICK HERE
WHAT’S GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 ABOUT?
Marvel’s intergalactic antiheroes battle new enemies (and old) when a being (Kurt Russell) introduces himself as Peter’s father. (PRE-ORDER IT HERE AND BUY THE ORIGINAL)
IS IT ANY GOOD? (GRADE: A-)
Everything a sequel should be, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 builds on narrative threads and themes from the first film in satisfying ways, taking the story in unexpected directions and evolving the characters. The film provides a solid balance between big action, irreverent humor, unexpected emotion, a perfect soundtrack, and psychedelic visuals unlike anything I’ve ever seen on screen. If the film has a flaw, it’s that it regularly deviates from the story to just have fun. These non-sequiturs lead to some pacing issues and a slightly unfocused narrative, but the movie’s so hilarious audiences likely won’t care. The cast is fantastic, the character arcs are gratifying, and the music rocks. Bring on Volume 3!
IS IT OKAY FOR YOUR KIDS?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 is rated PG-13. It has plentiful action violence, with hand-to-hand combat involving swords, guns, arrows, and explosions. People die in the vacuum of space. Innocent civilians are threatened and killed. An adorable alien is threatened and bullied by villains in heart-tugging ways. There’s some moderate profanity scattered here and there (s-words, SOB’s, etc). There are a few of sexual innuendos: Peter offers to demonstrate “archaic mating” techniques to an evolved queen, a demigod is asked if he has male anatomy (asked by an innocent character regarding the demigod’s ability to mate), and an empath observes that Peter feels “romantic, sexual love” for Gamora. A psuedo-villain is seen hanging out at a brothel-type establishment, with women in scene in the background.
ANY WORTHWHILE MESSAGES?
Nothing is more important than family (see The Family- A Proclamation to the World). No matter what we’ve done before, it’s never too late to do the right thing (see Mosiah 26:30, Ezekiel 33:15). “Forgiveness should go hand in hand with love. In our families, as well as with our friends… Blame keeps wounds open.
Only forgiveness heals” (President Thomas S. Monson, “Love- The Essence of the Gospel”). Sometimes people feel love even if they struggle to show it. People whom you consider your enemy might become your friend with understanding and forgiveness (see Matthew 5:44).
Looking for another funny sci-fi romp with great cast chemistry? Check out Serenity, by Avengers writer-director Joss Whedon.
FOR MORE FILM REVIEWS AND RELATIONSHIP TIPS FROM FAMILY THERAPIST JONATHAN DECKER VISIT WWW.YOURFAMILYEXPERT.COM
Brift MaxmintaxisMay 12, 2017
Surprising that only the /r/exmormon people picked up on the fact that this movie paints God in an unfair light - as a villain. No LDS review of the film I've seen have addressed the very strong subtext in this film - that "GOD IS EVIL". That no other LDS people have picked up on this very obvious message is really astounding - instead they're all caught up in the profanity and sexual innuendos instead of the moral message of rebellion against you father. Ironically, Deadpool for all its gore and sex and profaneness has more of a silver lining of a moral message than Guardians can hope to mirror - instead, James Gunn (who is admittedly anti-religious) focuses his message around misotheism and anti-theism. Am I the only one (besides the exmormons, apparently) hwo sees this?!
Jonathan DeckerMay 8, 2017
Perhaps I can clarify. I review for entertainment value, content, and worthwhile messages. A film may rate highly with regards to artistry or entertainment value while having questionable content. That is why they are two separate sections. Similarly, a film may not be very well-made but might be "clean." I review separately for clarity. As for the Family Proclamation, this is my attempt to "prove all things, hold fast that which is good." For example, Leia isn't dressed modestly when she is Jabba the Hutt's prisoner in Return of the Jedi, but the context matters. He tried to enslave her and she fought back. Even though she wears that outfit, I still consider that film to be uplifting and one with many Gospel parallels. For those who choose to see this film, I hope to turn them back to the scriptures to make the experience more worthwhile. I hope this helps explain my perspective, whether you agree or not.