Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailer Review

By Jim Scroggs
December 6th, 2016
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I spent my Saturday doing two things. Watching College Football and anticipating the newest trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2. Then, just as I suspected, Twitter let me know that it was time to see my favorite group of A-Holes take on the entire galaxy so let’s dive right in, shall we?

The trailer opens with some shots of a battle scene with Drax, Gamora as well as Star Lord fighting a giant squid like monster but this is Marvel and it’s in space so why not. While this is going on, there’s a voice over of Rocket explaining to someone how important the current situation is. That certain someone is Baby Groot and he’s just as adorable as we thought. Groot then seems to get what Rocket is saying but in typical Groot fashion, misses a key detail and almost ends it all. The sounds of "Fox on the Run" by Sweet ring out in this trailer and it fits oh so very well. There’s much more dialogue in this trailer compared to the last but Star Lord calls out some possible foes by calling them “A-Holes” which is very fitting for this franchise, Drax yelling “Screw You Spaceship” which is very literal of the destroyer and an exchange between Star Lord and Rocket that is the funniest exchange about tape that anyone probably will hear. The “Post Title” sequence scene is where we get a first look at Mantis, played by Pom Klementieff and her powers of telepathic communication. She touches StarLord’s arm and she feels that he’s got feelings for someone. He admits it at first but when she points out that those feelings are for Gamora, he back tracks hard in embarrassment. Drax immediately starts laughing and making fun of Peter but for some reason, Drax wants Mantis to try it on him but he says it with such joy, that you can’t help but laugh. The clear star of this trailer is Baby Groot. Baby Groot is seen running after a Ravager, I believe, he’s screaming in this tiny little voice, extends his arms to wrap around the Ravagers legs and throws him off the catwalk. The next time he’s seen, it looks to be a continuation of the “Tape” discussion and Groot picks up the button and runs off screaming” I Am Groot”.

  I’m completely serious when I say this. I don’t need to see another another trailer for this movie. Out of all the Marvel Studios franchises, Guardians of the Galaxy is the one where I have the most faith. I heard a few comments worrying that the sequel wouldn't be as unique as the previous one but after seeing this, there's no way anyone can say that going forward. I know it’s going to be and adventure every time we see this group come together and I think that’s a testament to James Gunn and his team. The use of music, the visual effects, the writing and character beats are something that should be getting more respect but I’m just going to enjoy the ride on the Milano as we get more time with these great characters. Marvel Studios “Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2” will be in theaters on May 2, 2017

2017 Movie Preview Part 1

By Jim Scroggs

November 30, 2016

The leaves are changing and it’s getting a little chilly so that means 2016 is almost done and regardless of what you think of how it ended up, It’s safe to say that most of us thought it would be one of the greatest cinematic years ever. In my opinion, I certainly don’t think it was bad but It could have been better in some areas(I'm looking at you, DC/WB and Fox).  From finally seeing two iconic characters together in the same film, A fan favorite finally getting his due and the escalation of a universe that has taken Hollywood by storm, I thought nothing could compete with 2016 but then I started looking at 2017 and thought “ Wait, could next year be even better?"

Logan

To say that Fox’s handling of the X-Men franchise has been confusing is an understatement. It’s literally been a roller coaster of emotions as well as trying to stay fresh in a universe that has no real direction. As bad as some of his appearances have been and I’m looking right at you, Wolverine Origins, there is a huge amount of respect that Hugh Jackman has gotten playing the iconic character, Wolverine. Logan will more than likely be the last time he will pop his claws and if the trailer is any indication, it’s going to be an emotional ride that I really hope we can all give a standing ovation to the very character that's been a constant for the last 17 years. While Old Man Logan has been an inspiration for this film, it’s nice to see Logan and Charles Xavier have one final adventure, pass it along to another generation of characters (Possibly X23) in the hopes that the franchise can gain some stability but I don’t see how one good movie will forgive everything that FOX has done. Logan will be in theaters on March 3rd, 2017.

Saban's Power Rang‪ers

When I heard this film was being made, I thought “and we need this, why?” I didn’t think those characters would be viable and maybe even run the risk of being too cheesy for some kids today. Yes, I remember watching the TV show when I would get home from school but it wasn’t a huge part of my childhood that I hung on to. Even with the casting of Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa wasn’t completely sold on me. Well, It looks like I could be wrong. The trailer showed us that the simplicity of a “Breakfast Club but darker” cast of characters mixed with an updated look at the mythology could work and I became more interested in this film after hearing that Bryan Cranston and Bill Hader joined the cast. I’d like to see how the Zords look as well and if the Green Ranger will come into play at some point in future. I’m optimistic on what this could do to bring Zach, Billy, Jason, Trini and Kimberly to a new set of eyes in 2017. Power Rangers will be in theaters on March 17th, 2017

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2

As the first MCU film of 2017, It’s refreshing to see the first spring release that doesn't involve any of the Avengers. We’ll continue to see the journey that Peter Quill, Gamora, Rocket, Drax,  Baby Groot as well as some newer faces to the team take as we inch ever so closer to the culmination of Infinity War. I don't think there is any concern with what the next installment will bring us but considering how surprising the first Guardians was, I can understand how some people might worry about the expectations of such a newly beloved franchise.The only real questions I have is how instrumental is Peter’s father to the story, what role does Yandu as well as Nebula serve as hesitant allies and how different will Baby Groot be compared to the last version of the fan favorite?  All in all, I'll be there opening night to get my fill of what the next Awesome Mix has to offer. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 will be in theaters on May 5th, 2017

Part two of the 2017 movie preview will be available tomorrow

They hooked us on all the feelings

By Jim Scroggs

October 21, 2016

Visually Stunning. Those are the two words that came to mind when I first saw the new teaser trailer for Marvel Studios Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. I don't think that anyone lost an ounce of confidence in James Gunn, Chris Pratt, Zoey Saldana and the rest of those involved in Guardians while the movie was in production and I don't think it's possible to be more excited for this film now. The sounds of Blue Swede’s "Hooked on a Feeling" echo throughout the 90 second clip and it's probably the best use of that song since the Dancing Baby episode of Ally McBeal. (Kid's, ask your parents or an older family member about that) The first shots are of a circular corridor, someone altering a warning message for space suits in a very Guardians like way and well as some body shots of Star-Lord, Gamora and Drax. Once the music swells some, We see Gamora pull her sword and running toward something as well as making a Wonder Woman like leap to attack (Yes, I know, wrong universe), Rocket and Yandu walking slowly as bodies rain from above, possibly because of an upset Groot, which sounds very similar to what was shown at SDCC in the summer. Nebula makes an appearance and her face looks different because I noticed the lack of blue in the middle part of her face so maybe that could be a change to her storyline in this film. There's an aerial shot of some characters coming toward the camera and slowing down at the last second, which is just eye candy and goes in the visually stunning category I mentioned earlier. The only dialogue we hear is from Drax as he tries to wax poetic on the differences between Peter Quill and Gamora. He goes on to say that there are 2 people in the universe, those who dance and those who don't. You can probably guess which of the two characters belong in each category and tells Peter he needs to find a woman who's "pathetic" like him. When Drax offers a hug, Quill declines but Drax does it anyway because why wouldn't he. But the cherry on the top of this Space Opera sundae is the shot of Rocket after shooting a hole through something and then Baby Groot appears on his back and peeks his head up. He makes the most adorable sound I can possibly think of and smiles.

While this is was a taste of what’s to come, I can’t imagine what a full blown trailer will look like for this film. The expectations should be through the roof since the lack of Thanos and an Infinity Stone should keep this a self contained story just about the Guardians and that is extremely exciting for myself and fans around the world.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters on May 5th, 2017.