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An entertaining superhero-action-comedy that succeeds by using the formula of misfits coming together to become something great, and also by having just enough heart to add emotional investment. The plot is surprisingly simple, even if it takes a couple mild detours to get there. (It’s also not too different from what could be pieced together from the trailers.) For a superhero film, there’s not really a lot of action, but what’s in here works well enough even if there’s nothing particularly memorable. Occasionally to humor is a bit much, but most of it is fine. While the characters are likable, most of them don’t standout. However Red Guardian is a standout, and Florence Pugh’s Yelena grounds the film and gives it heart. (Basically, there’s a lot of stuff here similar to the first “Guardians of the Galaxy,” just not as cosmic and not as well-done.) There is a mid-credit scene that’s just for laughs and a post-credit scene that seems to set the stage for the next big thing.
*** out of *****