Guardians reactions say it lives up to the hype; Film has five credit scenes

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 has a massive space mountain to climb if it wants to be even nearly as good as the first film. Everything about the sequel – the humor, music, characters, etc. – has the potential to not feel as fresh this time around, so avoiding that pitfall is task numero uno. The movie just screened for a select group of journalists last night, and needless to say if the reactions signify anything it’s that the pitfall has not only been avoided, but rocketed over with a sweet-looking jetpack.

Take a look at some of the reactions, which all highlight how adventurous, funny, and emotionally complex the film is:

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)

— Aaron Couch (@AaronCouch) April 18, 2017

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 is exciting, funny, gorgeous & a helluva tearjerker. For many, it will become their new favorite Marvel movie pic.twitter.com/Po4ZOSPs8Q

— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) April 18, 2017

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 2 is a lot of fun. Action-packed & even more classic '70s/early '80s music cues.

— Anna Klassen (@AnnaJKlassen) April 18, 2017

Damn. I loved Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. @JamesGunn is a hero and surprise faces steal the show.

— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) April 18, 2017

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is funnier than the original, a ton of surprises, and an unexpected emotional profoundness. I am Groot.

— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) April 18, 2017

Had tons of fun with Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Incredibly funny, beautifully colorful, and great continuations of the heroes. Super happy!

— (((Eric Eisenberg))) (@eeisenberg) April 18, 2017

Holy smokes was Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol 2 fun! I had a smile plastered on my face nearly the whole time. Tons of Easter eggs too. pic.twitter.com/558Q7nw8yN

— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) April 18, 2017

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is filled with tons of surprises and an unexpected amount of emotion. Another Marvel winner.

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) April 18, 2017

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. pic.twitter.com/aIz7Redwin

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) April 18, 2017

I say without hyperbole: #GotGVol2 is MCU at its very best. Grand adventure with intimate stakes. Uses every damn color in the crayon box. 🌈

— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) April 18, 2017

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

— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) April 18, 2017

Well, not everyone can like the movie…

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

— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) April 18, 2017

Another scoop that came out of the screening is that the movie has five – yes – five after credits scenes. That may sound absurd, but Gunn confirmed and clarified the report to Screen Rant via Twitter:

@screenrant Well, five, actually. 😊

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 18, 2017

Chances are most of these are just fun little segments, like the Groot dance in the first film, with maybe one of two actually being set-ups for something larger like the other MCU credit scenes. That or they're just all of Groot dancing, which I'm cool with.

These reactions come on the heels on news that Gunn will be returning to direct the third installment, which can mean Marvel is very happy with what they've seen this go-around. GUARDIANS 2 is one of my anticipated for the year, so the fact so many people in the business are enjoying it that much is exciting. Aside from the CAPTAIN AMERICA movies Marvel doesn’t have the best track record with sequels. Movies like THOR 2, IRON MAN 2 and AVENGERS 2 didn’t quite live up to the high bars the predecessors set for them, and I feared GUARDIANS. Though these reaction don’t guarantee that it won’t, I can sleep a little more comfortably known Gunn has done and brought it.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 with Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Kurt Russell and more arrives May 5.