My personal favorite of the GOTG trilogy. The first film had to focus on introducing the Guardians, so this one could really explore their dynamic as a Found Family and what happens when there are those disagreements between them. I am a huge fan of the addition of Klementieff as Mantis, and Russell's Ego is such a memorable villain. The scene where the Guardians part ways to Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" will always stand out to me.

I think this movie is where Gunn really made his name in the comic book movie subgenre. It builds upon the solid foundations that the original laid out, and leaned heavy into the emotional elements. We already love the Guardians, so now we get to see them be a little more introspected and tested, open up. And this leads to some of the franchises most heartbreaking moments. Overall, and incredibly strong sequel that builds upon the originals in the best ways.

I personally think Vol 2 reaches the highs of the other two films in the trilogy. Some of the jokes go on for too long and think they are funnier than they actually are, but the emotional core of this movie is really well done. The ending makes me cry. I love these characters.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 fails to feel like its own movie, feeling more like some kind of DLC to the first. While there are some fun character moments and it's nice to see this ragtag group of rogues grow, the movie fails to create a larger world or add much of interest to the MCU. Gunn also stresses the team's physical bodies so much that it actually became confusing what they can 'do' in this world and when they're really in danger, which is a major problem for a superhero movie.

James Gunn's genius recipe for these movies: use the most ridiculous parts of Marvel canon (living planets, weird aliens, gold people), and merge them with real human emotions (sibling rivalry, daddy issues, parenting). He succeeded again with Guardians 2, giving us an emotional drama and exciting action film rolled into one. Also Groot is there.

Guardians of the Galaxy was a breakout success for the MCU, and Vol. 2 excellently followed it with even better comedy and a script that went much further with its drama and character work to great effect. It was one of the best films of Phase 3 of the MCU, if not the best, and it made it clear that the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise was anything but a fluke.

Besides several very entertaining action setpieces (of course accompanied by some brilliant soundtrack choices), GotG Vol 2 is a compelling look at the complexities of fatherhood. While Peter wrestles with his own identity, Yondu goes on his own emotional journey that forces him to confront his own mistakes and feelings about the foster boy he raised. Brushing aside the jokes, the movie has a lot of heart that doesn't feel nearly as forced as it does in other Marvel films, which helps push the shocking surprises and tears out of my eyes every time I watch this movie.

PS: Intro with Baby-Groot alone bumps the score up a point.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is not quite as amazing as the first movie, but it is still a fantastic film nonetheless. The humor, captivating plot, and cool space visuals are all present here, just as they are in the first one, and we finally receive some backstory on Peter Quill, the main character.