Unicron Returns!

Rating: 4/10 (8 August 2017)

Scream 2 made it a point to point out part 2s don't hold a candle to the originals. 1997's Scream 2 was 2 decades before its time.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 seemed like a love letter to fans. Give 'em what they loved in the first one and up the budget. This was a sequel movie trope since the 80s and more so in the 90s. And this movie was broken into quarters, as one disposable character in this movie points out are not thirds of the movie.
Let me preface that I LOOOVED the first Guardians of the Galaxy. Seen it multiple times and is one of my all-time favorite Marvel, Comic Book and Origin Story movies. Sowhat a let down here.
Back to quarters. The first half of this movie was just fan-fare. Giving the audience what they loved about part one without much new substance or heart the first one had in spades. Then, the 3rd quarter picks up and makes my heart soar and I loved every minute of that third quarter. Annnd, we're back to the never-ending fourth and not-so final quarter since there were far-too-many post credit scenes I simply lost interest with each one.
While I didn't hate the first half or the never-ending last quarter as they both contained some decent scenes and hearty laughs, it was that wonderful third quarter that makes me grant a slight recommendation for this entire movie.
Basically, the gang's back and they're saving one clone army of batteries and causing another conflict that eventually lands our beloved Guardians of the Galaxy apart for most of the film. Oooooof course, they only work together well as a team and it takes the majority of the movie and our patience to get that.
Gone was the heart of the original. Vanished were the unforgettable songs. Out were the stakes. And Mini-Groot was absolutely more annoying than cute and hell, did I miss the big, funny and heartfelt Groot from the first one. This felt rushed and if not for some comedy throughout, good FX and, again, that third quarter, this wouldn't get the slightest of recommendations.
In fact, as stated, I've seen the first multiple times. I might never see this one again, if not for the inevitable Vol. 3 where I might do a little Guardians marathon. Hopefully, enough time has passed by then and I'll have a little heart for this entry. But, until Vol. 3, I'd skip this movie and just do a marathon then. Hopefully, they'll get back on track with that chapter.
***
Final thoughts: Just a clarification and in defense of this project, outside that now infamous third quarter, I did LOVE the Rocket vs. the Dozens of Henchmen in the forest scene. THAT was so awesome and is worth an extra ½ star for that scene alone.