Double Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and The Lost City of Z
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2
I feel like it’s going to be impossible to review Guardians Vol. 2 without it just turning into another ringing fan endorsement. I’ll be the first to admit I’m Marvel Cinematic Universe trash at this point, and I was basically already Guardians of the Galaxy‘s biggest fan even before it came out. So even if I tell you I think Guardians Vol. 2 is not only the most fun I’ve had in a movie theater this year so far, and that it’s a really smartly constructed sequel that builds upon the first movie in almost every way, you honestly probably shouldn’t take my word for it and just go see the movie.
Right from the jump, Guardians Vol. 2 opens with a credit sequence that not only tops the excellent one from the first movie, but might just be one of the best opening credit sequences of all time. On the surface level it’s a hilarious and adorable sequence, but it’s executed incredibly well too, expertly melding green-screen work, CGI, camera movement, and scale. It’s a very fitting bar to set for the movie. Guardians Vol. 2 doesn’t just feel like more-of-the-same movie for me, but rather an upgrade on every aspect of it. The technical aspects are beefier, the action-sequences are more inventive and grander, and the humor often comes from weirder and wackier sources. I’m really impressed with how much it feels like James Gunn’s vision and skills as a director have grown since the first movie. There are several sequences in here that standout as almost jaw-dropping. It’s a beautiful looking movie too; absolutely crammed with more colors than DC knows exist on the color wheel.
But most interesting of all is while all the technical aspects have all upgraded to bigger, badder versions of the first, the story takes the opposite approach and goes for a smaller, more character driven approach. Everyone gets new arcs this time around, new ways to develop themselves, new sides we haven’t seen. It works very well to its advantage, and like the first movie, it is a far more emotional journey than expected. No spoilers, but I was hugely impressed on how this movie was able to take a character from the first movie and completely humanize him to an impressive degree. Also unexpectedly surprising, is how good the villain ends up being. Marvel villains have a habit of never being as strong as they could be, but this one manages to actually have a sizable presence. I like sequels that take this approach; I think they generally have the most success.
Overall, I loved every minute of Guardians Vol. 2. Everything that I wished could’ve been done just a little bit better in the first Guardians was improved upon here, and it feels immensely cathartic. I recommend it, and I think you’ll probably love it too.
The Media Fire gives this movie a 9.3/10
The Lost City of Z
I had no huge interest in checking out The Lost City of Z prior to hearing recommendations for it, but I have to say I’m very glad I did. It’s a pretty darn good historical epic that’s worth checking out. It’s probably just not quite thematically rich enough or bold enough to go down as a bonafide classic like Lawerence of Arabia or something, but it is pretty close and I appreciate how hard it tries.
If there’s one major take-away I have from this movie, it’s that I have renewed major respect for every actor involved. This is the kind of movie that lives or dies by its actor’s performances, and they definitely carry this movie. Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller, and Tom Holland all give some of their best performances I’ve ever seen from them, and there’s not a single weak link in the rest of the cast. Hunnam in particular has to carry the movie the most, since the film ends up mostly being a character study of him in particular, and I’m very impressed with how well he’s entrenched himself into this role.
The film is a beautifully shot and directed thing, too. It all feels incredibly authentic and immersive and never breaks its flow in any way. It’s filled with beautiful imagery and cinematography, but it’s not really a particularly show-offy movie; instead preferring to focus 110% of its attention to the story it’s telling. Any and all dips into mild symbolism and surrealism fit the narrative perfectly. The combined effect is very atmospheric. What really cinches it all together though, is the music. This film boasts quite an impressive musical score that helps remind you what a good musical score can do to enhance all the other aspects of atmosphere. If there’s one thing that might turn people off from this movie, it’s that I can easily see this as being a little emotionally cold for most audiences. Not that this movie is necessarily dour or mean-spirited, but it doesn’t often do much to inject levity into the proceedings, preferring to keep its focus on the immersion of the story. I wouldn’t say this makes the movie hard to watch; in fact where I’d say this movie has the leg up over something like The Revenant is that while The Revenant is a better movie, The Lost City of Z is an easier watch. Still, if it’s a bit of a turn off for some, I understand.
The Lost City of Z may not be exactly the most impressive historical epic you’ll ever see, but it’s an expertly constructed one. It’s a fascinating period drama and character study, and sometimes that’s enough to recommend a movie for me. If you’re a fellow critic or cinaphile like me, you might appreciate this movie more, but I’d still recommend it to everyone else. Good movies are worth acknowledging even when they aren’t necessarily ‘great,’ and this is a really good movie. So go check it out!
The Media Fire gives this movie an 8.5/10
