Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

In this action-driven sequel, writer-director James Gunn revisits the irreverent comic book concept of maverick mercenaries that he created for the 2014 original. A prologue set in Missouri, circa 1981, shows Peter Quill's mom (Laura Haddock) and “spaceman” dad (a very youthful Kurt Russell) driving in their 1979 Ford Cobra to a special place in the forest where he plants something bizarre. Skip ahead 34 years, when the Guardians have bartered with haughty High Priestess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) to protect the golden-skinned Sovereigns' valuable batteries from a ravenous beast in exchange for the return of their prisoner, Nebula (Karen Gillan), who is Gamora's (Zoe Saldana) mean sister. The problem: impudent Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) stuffed the batteries in his backpack, arousing Ayesha's imperious ire. After an intergalactic chase, the Guardians' spaceship crashes on Berhert, where they're greeted by a glowing, egg-shaped craft containing Ego (Russell), who tells Quill (Chris Pratt)—aka Star Lord—that he's his long-lost father. And then they're off to explore Ego's private planet, meeting Empath Mantis (Pom Klementieff), who bonds with muscular Drax (former WWE wrestler Dave Bautista). Meanwhile, on Contraxia, Quill's foster father, blue-skinned Yondu (Michael Rooker), has been exiled by the Ravagers' Stakar Ogord (Sylvester Stallone), and there's a mutiny led by Taserface (Chris Sullivan). Not in the same league as the original film, this follow-up has a convoluted plot with intergalactic battle sequences galore and lots of zany humor—with the adorable antics of Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) being scene-stealers. A strong optional purchase. [Note: Blu-ray extras include audio commentary with director James Gunn, a four-part “making-of” featurette (37 min.), deleted scenes (5 min.), a gag reel (5 min.), a “Visionary Intro” (2 min.), the music video “Guardians Inferno” by The Sneepers featuring David Hasselhoff, and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a less-than-stellar sequel.] (S. Granger)