GotG 2 keeps the show running

Rating: 8/10 (5 May 2017)

Three years after the release of the unexpected MCU hit, Guardians of the Galaxy, comes its successor, GotG Vol.2 which is still just as much of a "wild-child" as the first one.
The first MCU movie of 2017 draws some similarities to the first release of the year before (Civil War), as instead of dealing with an imminent, world-threatening situation throughout the course of the film, the story takes us through the lives of the characters and their histories. The occurrence of a huge, devastating event was never a part of the film's objective anyway, as there will be enough of that in the movies to come. But that doesn't mean the movie is any bit less fun. In fact, as you may have read in some other reviews, they take the fun-factor up a couple of notches-- a move that has garnered some mixed responses. To me, the humor (which is a very important part of the Marvel movies, especially the GotG franchise) is well suited and timed with just a few exceptions where it didn't feel as effortless as Volume 1.
But in all fairness, they did a great job of keeping the charm maintained and indeed created a film that is in no way inferior to the first. We just may feel used to it and the craziness might not hit us as favorably since it is not novel anymore. Some of the characters from the previous film whom we had thought, belonged to the side, opposite to that of the heroes, slowly change and turn a new leaf. This is done very cleverly so as to not make the transition seem awkward or abrupt. Perceptions are changed by the end of the film and enough reasoning is given behind any past cruel behavior.
Ironically, however, the one character that was supposed to be heroic turns out to be quite different as revealed in the twist of the third act. This however, does make up for the lack of a significant and almost indestructible antagonist (as is the rule of the MCU). But not to put the "Gold people" down, they serve their part well and keep the tempo going in the beginning, adding an extra layer to the problems our guardians eventually start facing before having to defeat the biggest one of them all. We all want explosions and lasers and they make sure we get tons of that.
But since the task of saving the universe is realized only towards the end, I almost couldn't connect with the seriousness of the issue. The gravity of the situation was not portrayed casually but certain parts in our protagonists' fight against the villain seemed like they had unfairly played out in their favor (as the character they're up against is immensely powerful). The end is still satisfying, however, as all tension between the characters is resolved and bonds are strengthened. It also gets a bit emotional as we witness a well-honored demise of an integral figure towards whom I found, to my surprise, I had unknowingly grown a liking.
The effects and the music get us charged up every time there is a high-octane fight sequence. Also, did I mention, Baby Groot is (of course) unbelievably adorable and this particular attribute even saves his life at one point. Drax delivers the comedic lines perfectly although both of these characters' potentials could have been better utilized, as in the first movie. On the whole, this film is a brave second installment. Comparisons will always be made but this film does win in its own way and clears away some personal issues so that the future films won't have the burden of lingering questions to face anymore. It is the bridge to Vol. 3 (which is DEFINITELY happening). The third post credit scene, out of the five, introduces a crucial character from the Marvel Comics but who, if reports are to be believed, surprisingly, won't be seen in the major upcoming films. For all Marvel fans, this film's minor flaws won't diminish the thrill at all. After 14 great movies, if there's one thing you should know, it is that Marvel can never REALLY go wrong. It is a solid package of entertainment and character- driven storytelling, setting the tone for the other two mega movies that we're going to be spoiled with this year.