Monday 24th April marked the UK premiere of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and we were lucky enough to be there! The first volume took the world by storm, a relatively unknown set of characters became the 3rd highest grossing film in the Marvel cinematic universe, only behind the Avengers and Iron Man 3; a remarkable achievement. Defined by it’s soundtrack and humour the first volume was well received critically too – obtaining a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Volume 2 has predictably then been one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year for all sci-fi fans – which is some statement when you consider some of the other blockbusters that launch in 2017; Logan, Wonder Woman, Justice League, Thor: Ragnarok, Spiderman, The Lego Batman Movie, Transformers, Power Rangers, Star Wars EP VIII, the list goes on! Needless to say I am one of these sci-fi fans and the 3 years since the first edition was worth the wait! Marvel had drip fed us some amazing clips within the trailers released prior to launch, so make sure you give them a watch and get a nice taster to what you can expect when you see it.
You only get one chance to save the galaxy twice. Welcome inside the #GotGVol2 European Launch Event sponsored by @MBNA pic.twitter.com/yqzZPbzk6X
— Marvel UK & Ireland (@MarvelUK) 24 April 2017
In October 2016 the teaser was released, with the return of Blue Swede’s song Hooked on a Feeling, which made an appearance in the trailer for the first film, it instilled an immediate sense of satisfaction – it felt like we are in good hands and they are going to nail it again – which was a worry with the surprise factor of the first one being so important to it’s impact. The trailer closes on a funny exchange between Drax and Chris Pratt’s cocky adventurer Peter Quill – and a short clip showing the beloved giant tree sidekick Groot, regrown as a baby after his heroics in volume 1 – something we were hinted at in the credits scene of the original.
TEASER TRAILER – OCTOBER 16
TRAILER 2 – DECEMBER 16
FINAL TRAILER – MARCH 17
5000 fans and press pilled into the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, to enjoy the UK premier of Guadians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Attending the event, it was clear Marvel’s intention for the premiere to be a treat for the fans; there were photo opportunities in front of cool movie backdrops and loads of Guardians of the Galaxy merchandise for sale, but most spectacularly there was a DJ! Set up at the front by the stage was English house music DJ, Seb Fontaine, who did a set to warm up the crowd before the film. The set finished with director of the franchise, James Gunn, taking to the stage, thanking the fans and introducing the glammed up cast to the audience. After lots of cheering and a nice speech the moment we’d all been waiting for happened – the film began (No ads – I love premieres).
The party just got started…#Obviously #GotGVol2 pic.twitter.com/k5YCexgymQ
— Marvel UK & Ireland (@MarvelUK) 24 April 2017
The stars have aligned at the Guardians of Galaxy Vol.2 European Launch Event sponsored by @MBNA… now strap yourself in for #GotGVol2 pic.twitter.com/Y03yEmW5RM
— Marvel UK & Ireland (@MarvelUK) 24 April 2017
The opening credits feature a hilarious dance number from Baby Groot, dancing around to Mr Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra, completely oblivious to the epic alien space battle going on around him by the rest of the team and the Kraken like creature that features in the final trailer. Baby Groot was ridiculously adorable throughout as they milk his cute looks with close ups into his massive glistening eyes and several mini scenes showing off his infantile personality, you can find one of his best moments trailer 2, as he fails to understand the simplest instructions from Bradley Coopers character, Rocket.
For me, Drax stole the show. Played by former WWE wrestler Dave Bautista, it was as if he was born for the role. His delivery and the character’s brutal honesty, led to laugh-out-loud moments throughout the movie – I feel like I’m going to have to see it again for all the bit’s I missed from the crowd being too busy laughing! You’ll have seen a few of his quips that made him the star of the trailers, and the relationship he has with the new character, Mantis, is a particular highlight that you’ll to get to enjoy when you watch it.
As James Gunn said in his speech prior to the viewing, the film is based around the theme of outcasts being brought together to be something great – and of course saving the galaxy. There is lots of character progression and some of the favourites from the first film feature heavily as well – like Yondu – the bad*ss with the whistling arrow. And that weird duck man from the end credits of the original appears again too! Anyone know who he is?!
Stay till the end! or you’ll be disappointed. Marvel is iconic for having a post credit scene at the end of the movie, it will either drop a hint of a sequel, or a link to another film in the cinematic universe, or just be hilarious, watch the video below for all of them so far. This film however decided one credit scene wasn’t enough – I think in the end there were FIVE post credit scenes – so well worth the wait till the lights come on! The crowds favourite is a flash-forward scene of Peter Quill and Groot and suggests how old Groot might be in the next film – think Kevin the teenager!
And of course a Marvel film wouldn’t finish without a cameo from Stan Lee, the creator of many of the Marvel comic characters, hilariously appears in all Marvel films – make sure you look out for him.
Have you seen it? let us know what you thought in the comments below! 🙂
You can listen to the full soundtrack here on Spotify.
And you can shop our Marvel wholesale gifts here.
