GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 has a massive space mountain to climb if it wants to be even nearly as good as the first film. Everything about the sequel – the humor, music, characters, etc. – has the potential to not feel as fresh this time around, so avoiding that pitfall is task numero uno. The movie just screened for a select group of journalists last night, and needless to say if the reactions signify anything it’s that the pitfall has not only been avoided, but rocketed over with a sweet-looking jetpack.
Take a look at some of the reactions, which all highlight how adventurous, funny, and emotionally complex the film is:
Well, not everyone can like the movie…
Another scoop that came out of the screening is that the movie has five – yes – five after credits scenes. That may sound absurd, but Gunn confirmed and clarified the report to Screen Rant via Twitter:
Chances are most of these are just fun little segments, like the Groot dance in the first film, with maybe one of two actually being set-ups for something larger like the other MCU credit scenes. That or they're just all of Groot dancing, which I'm cool with.
These reactions come on the heels on news that Gunn will be returning to direct the third installment, which can mean Marvel is very happy with what they've seen this go-around. GUARDIANS 2 is one of my anticipated for the year, so the fact so many people in the business are enjoying it that much is exciting. Aside from the CAPTAIN AMERICA movies Marvel doesn’t have the best track record with sequels. Movies like THOR 2, IRON MAN 2 and AVENGERS 2 didn’t quite live up to the high bars the predecessors set for them, and I feared GUARDIANS. Though these reaction don’t guarantee that it won’t, I can sleep a little more comfortably known Gunn has done and brought it.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 with Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Kurt Russell and more arrives May 5.