When Rocket Raccoon’s (Bradley Cooper) past threatens his life the Guardians Of The Galaxy rally together to save him. 

For me, Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014) is the best film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its sequel, despite some naysayers dislike for its villain is incredibly good whilst not quite living up to the original’s highs. Which is why I have really taken my time to try and do this film justice with my review. It has now been on release here in the UK for one week and I have seen it twice, once on opening day in an effort to miss any spoilers and again a couple days ago to try and drink it all in. If you just want the short version it’s simple enough to say that fans of these characters will love the movie and that it is probably the most consistent series of films in the MCU. If you want the long version read on…

Writer/director James Gunn picks up his characters following a series of events in other MCU films that have changed them dramatically. Star Lord (Chris Pratt) is filled with self pity and is drinking himself into oblivion following the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana) during the events of Infinity War. Gamora is now a member of the ravagers with no memory of the Guardians with the exception of her sister Nebula (Karen Gillan). Whilst Nebula and Rocket are now close friends having spent five years together during the blip. But Gunn’s love and understanding of these characters really shines through as he not only manages these storylines with aplomb but also manages to give Drax (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) strong stories and include favourites such as Groot (Vin Diesel), Kraglin (Sean Gunn) and Cosmo (Maria Bakalova) along the way. 

There is a lot going on with all of those existing characters before he also introduces a villain (The High Evolutionary played by Chukwudi Iwuji) that is worthy of being talked of as one of the best across the MCU and a new iconic Marvel character (Adam Warlock played by Will Poulter) that we could well see more of in the future. 

The main story and focus for the film is on Rocket’s back story where we see in flashback how he came to be via the machinations of The High Evolutionary. This facet of the story might be a little difficult for some younger viewers as it focuses on animal testing, eugenics and genetic engineering. But it also does what the Guardians films have always done, it focuses on the power of friendship. Rocket is imprisoned with three other animals and their companionship is heart-warming and explains why Rocket had the strength to escape from his plight. 

In between these flashbacks the rest of the team are travelling across the galaxy getting into one scrape after the other to save Rocket. Again the focus is on friendship and the bond between them. 

There is so much to enjoy here for fans. The musical choices are thoroughly brilliant again including an opening song from Radiohead which of course would make any film perfect. Drax is hilarious throughout and his relationship with Mantis continues to grow. Cosmo and Craglin have an hilarious running gag through the film. The relationship between Gamora and Star Lord is handled very well and does a good job of exploring love lost. Nebula has stealthily become one of the best characters in the MCU and Rocket gets to be the star of the show and highlight just how brilliant Bradley Cooper’s voice work is. The humour is incredible and the story will definitely leave some of you with a tear in your eye. 

In fact it seems harsh to point out its flaws. But alas it does have some. The action sequences are not awe inspiring, with one corridor shoot out a highlight whilst everything else is mostly just functional. And it does sag a little under the weight of all the characters it has to juggle. But it’s a small price to pay in a film that is mostly a triumph. 

It is sad to see what is clearly an end of an era. James Gunn has moved on to DC and is currently prepping his Superman movie. But he has done a fantastic job of ending this chapter and leaving these characters in the MCU canon to be picked up by someone who is hopefully attuned enough to bring out the best in them; their friendship. 

Stick around for a mid and end credits scene that give you more Guardians time as well. 

Go and watch it with someone you love immediately!