A Brilliant new entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2017)

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a thrilling new entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie is perfect for the family, especially for teenagers and above. The two hour movie follows the first installment, taking place a few months later. Based on the comic of the same name, this fantasy movie really proves that Marvel still hasn't lost their touch. The team is back with Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket Racoon (Bradly Cooper), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and of course Baby Groot (Vin Diesel). The story also has many other returning characters, such as Yondu (Michael Rooker) and Nebula (Karen Gillan). Once again it's directed by James Gunn.
It begins with a creative and unique way to reintroduce the team, on a mission for the Sovereign, a super-elite race of genetically engineered sparkling gold humanoids. We then see their ship crash down on a deserted planet, where Peter's long lost father, Ego (Kurt Russel), with his innocent assistant Mantis (Pom Klementieff), picks them up. Ego brings them to his planet, where most of the movie takes place. Some stay behind to repair the ship, splitting the team up in a very "Empire Strikes Back"-esque fashion. Most of this movie has overwhelming amounts of Similarities to "Empire Strikes Back". The effects in the film are spot-on, it makes you believe that they are actually happening, including some that make jokes all the better. Rocket Racoon's effects are nailed once again and work fluidly with the other actors.
The acting is generally pretty good, with just one or two missteps in the whole film. Chris Pratt doesn't always convince the audience of being depressed, but everything seems relatively solid otherwise. There are some dramatic changes in tone, but you can look past some of them, given the weight of the situation. Nebula does not really fit in the movie, as she is too serious, compared to the light and joking tone of the rest of the cast. The soundtrack is extremely good and fits the movie well, but it doesn't live up to the hype of the first movie's soundtrack does. The music is still perfect for the film, and I would recommend buying the soundtrack. Not all the jokes land, but they don't distract from the rest of the movie, which is still hilarious. Drax's oblivious, but genuine, dialogue tends to be the best, followed by the charming Baby Groot gags.
This is an all-around spectacular film. The good far outweighs the band, and will easily be remembered as a great comic book movie, with lots of laughs and plenty of heartfelt scenes.