'Gaurdians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' Review: Marvel's favorite motley crew of reformed outlaws is back for another space adventure full of classic tunes from Fox on the run to Mr. Blue sky, epic battles, and charming comedy!

8.8/10

Marvel's favorite motley crew of reformed outlaws is back for another space adventure full of classic tunes from Fox on the run to Mr. Blue sky, epic battles, and charming comedy. So many people have told me how they preferred this one to the first and boy do I have to say I agree it is just as awesome as the original, if not better. Set to the soundtrack of Meredith Quill's Awesome Mix Tape #2, which she bequeathed to her beloved young Peter, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 moves the group's story forward, primarily for the orphaned Star Lord, who's always wondered exactly who his Star Man dad was and why he up left him and his mother behind on Earth. Russell is an ideal pick to play Ego, the celestial god (lowercase "g") who hired Yondu to bring his son to him 26 years earlier. Without getting into specifics, this father-son dynamic, in classic Marvel origin-story style, is the driving force behind the tension and action in the second half of the movie. When they finally meet 26 years later Peter is a bit cautious of his new estranged father, but is willing to give him a chance. So they set off to his home planet "Ego" leaving, Rocket, baby Groot and Nebula behind. It is here where Peter starts to learn a lot more about his dad, i.e. what his true intentions are and who he really is, well more like what he is. To Peter and all of us (apart from Gamora and Mantis) Ego at first glance doesn't seem bad at all and feels like he genuinely wants to make up for lost time, but is that his true intentions.

While were on the topic of fathers -- biological or otherwise -- Yondu, played by Rooker, is a standout supporting character in this installment. He and his magical arrow (and his straight-talking wisdom) are a highlight of the action and the dialogue. Yondu and Rocket enjoy a couple of meaningful conversations that depict their growth in a surprisingly touching way. Saldana and Pratt continue to exchange lingering looks as Peter and Gamora, but there's not a whole lot of romantic development, given that so many higher stakes are at play around them at nearly all times. This sequel passes the Bechdel Test (To pass the Bechdel test a work must feature at least two women, these women must talk to each other, and their conversation must concern something other than a man) thanks both to Gamora and Nebula's exchanges as sisters dealing with their abusive upbringing at the hands of evil Thanos and to new supporting player Mantis, even though most of her scenes are with Drax (who finds her laudably "hideous" and "repulsive," but in a "good way"). It almost goes without saying that Baby Groot steals the show with his big eyes and sweet demeanor. Even the Ravagers consider him "too adorable to kill." And then there's the music, which is once again a finely crafted compilation of '60s and '70s classics, with Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" and Looking Glass' "Brandy" being the most memorable. But there's plenty more awesomeness to enjoy.

All in all it was a spectacle. I loved every minute of it, I laughed harder than Drax through most of the film. The script was brilliant therefor the dialogue was perfect, the CGI was second to none, all the supporting cast were great, the main cast were exceptional but for me Groot, Rocket and Yondu are my favourites of this film, they just made the film that much more special.