Vol. 1 is fantastic, Vol. 2 is satisfying and nothing more

Rating: Null/10 (2 May 2017)

When I watched Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, I couldn't imagine it would be one of the best superhero movies I've ever seen. It was so funny, inventive, original and packed with memorable characters, I just loved it. So, as you can imagine, I was really excited to see the sequel. Did Vol. 2 match my expectations? Hum, not exactly. It could have been much worse but it should have been much better. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is more like Age of Ultron or Iron Man 2 than The Winter Soldier or The Empire Strikes Back. Let's analyze it:
PROS:

The opening sequence: it perfectly captures the spirit of the first Guardians.

The soundtrack: it's okay, it fits into the movie, although it's not near as memorable or as good as Vol. 1.

The visuals: stunning. The cinematography and special effects are definitely better this time around.

Baby Groot: you can't hate him. Every time he's on screen you can't take your eyes off him. He has 3 funny moments, but I felt he could (and should) have been used a lot more.

The characters: We learn new, surprising things about some of them. That helps us to understand and even sympathize more with them.

The action scenes: they're good, not incredible, original or memorable, just entertaining (even though there is very, I mean very, VERY little physical fights and a lot of spaceship battles).

Surprises: there are compelling plot twists (but none of them are particularly original), there are some great cameos and fun post-credit scenes.

The acting: just like the in first movie, is amazing. Everybody fits their roles perfectly.

Mantis: a good addition. She's a funny and interesting character, but I don't see anybody after this movie saying "Mantis is my favorite character of Guardians of the Galaxy".

There is a sequence with Yondu, Rocket and Baby Groot that is just incredible. One of the best moments in the whole MCU for sure. I just loved it.

There are some heartfelt and touching moments.

The movie is never boring.

It's great so see the characters we loved in the first movie back. As usual, their interactions are fun to watch.

The 3D: good, although unnecessary.

CONS:

Unfocused story line: The movie takes a long time to really start; there is too much characters and too much going on at the same time.

Ego: I was expecting much more. Kurt Russell is fine, but I can see this role been played by any other decent actor. The character is much more a Living Exposition than a Living Planet.

The villain(s): weak and forgettable, just like 95% of the villains of the MCU.

A lot of forced humor: the original had it but this time there is even more. Vol. 2 is funny but the original is much much more.

Lack of originality: this time, almost nothing feels fresh, memorable or inventive.

The main characters evolved very little compared to the original and most of them are given nothing to do during most part of the movie.

There's not enough tension or excitement.

Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is not as good as the original or the best MCU movie ever, but it's a satisfying follow up. It has some misses but more hits. It didn't let me crazy to see Volume 3 or increased my excitement for Infinity War, but it was a fun ride. Just don't go see it with crazy expectations because otherwise you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a good time at the movies, this is the movie you should see.
PS.: You don't have to watch every single MCU movie to understand Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Watch only the first Guardians, that's enough.