Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 had its first press-screening on Monday night. And once the fourth and final post-credits scene concluded, members of the press quickly dug into their pockets, retrieved their phones, logged into their Twitter accounts, and tweeted their initial reactions. And as you might suspect, they are overwhelmingly positive.
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To be honest, I haven’t seen one truly negative reaction. That doesn’t mean all of them are warm and fuzzy, either. There are some people that are disappointed that it didn’t live up to their expectations, and others just didn’t find it to be as funny or entertaining as the first. But they are the minority.
Our own Brandon Davis attended the screening, and I am pleased to report that he went in with very high expectations and still came away wanting to see more. “Damn. I loved Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. [director James Gunn] is a hero and surprise faces steal the show,” BD posted in a series of positive tweets. “Going in with through-the-roof expectations, Guardians Vol. 2 still left me wishing it was never going to end. I seriously loved it. I’ll be watching again at the premiere on Wednesday and I’m super stoked about that. This is one you’re gonna comb for details and fun.”
To see more reactions from other members of the press check out our slideshow.
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Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on May 5, 2017.
Less-Than-Thrilled Reactions
Jeff Sneider of The Tracking Board wrote: “Hate to be the Voice of Reason, but GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 isn’t as good as the first. What felt fresh now feels forced. 2.5/4 stars. The problem w/ GOTG2 is that the VFX threaten to swallow the film, which is way too long & too reliant on music cues. Too much family drama. G-team is too split up. Didn’t care about Star-Lord & his Dad or Gamora & her sister. Leads not as fun as Rocket, Drax, Yondu or Baby Groot. Again, these films aren’t really for me, & I think the target audience (the people who’d appreciate FOUR mid-credit scenes) will eat it up.”
One new addition to the cast earned Sneider’s highest praise: “I will say that I loved @PomKlementieff as Mantis, a great addition to the sequel who had strong chemistry with Drax. More of her, please!”
Kristian Harloff of Schmoes Know agreed with Sneider’s reaction and used a gif of a young Harry Potter shrugging his shoulders to illustrate his joylessness with the sequel.
Simon Thompson, Sneider’s Meet The Movie Press co-host, wrote: “It was okay, I didn’t love it. It lacks a lot of what made the original so tight. Drax and Groot are highlights.”
Over-The-Moon Reactions
Germain Lussier of Gizmodo found it delightful: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is filled with tons of surprises and an unexpected amount of emotion. Another Marvel winner.”
Peter Sciretta of /Film thinks it tickled the funny bone more the first. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is funnier than the original, a ton of surprises, and an unexpected emotional profoundness. I am Groot. Mantis and Drax steal the movie. The music on Awesome Mix 2 is great and has some deeper tracks than vol 1.”
Eric Eisenberg of Cinema Blend is elated with the sequel: “Had tons of fun with Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Incredibly funny, beautifully colorful, and great continuations of the heroes. Super happy!”
It had Fandango‘s Erik Davis rocking and rolling: “There’s more beauty & depth & ’80s love in GUARDIANS VOL. 2 than any of the Marvel movies. It’s like a water-color acid trip full of awesome.”
THR‘s Aaron Couch felt some good vibrations: “Don’t think I’ve heard so much laughter at a press screening. People seemed to really be digging Guardians Vol. 2. Can’t say more (yet).”
The Wrap‘s El Mayimbe spread the good word: “My goodness what an experience! Absolutely loved it & you guys will too! Can’t wait to see again!”
Steven Weintraub of Collider was swept off his feet: “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 kept a smile on my face from beginning to end. Funny, action packed, emotional, and tons of surprises. Thumbs up.”
Mike Ryan of Uproxx felt the fun side of the force: “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 2. is very fun. Takes the EMPIRE “split up your characters” strategy. Drax is a hoot. Baby Groot steals the show.”
