Before the first Guardians movie was released many were baffled by the idea of it. "A movie with a talking racoon and a tree? Has someone in Marvel bumped their head?" But, when the movie was released, it became one of the most beloved and successful Marvel movies. Much of that is because of James Gunn. He embraced the silliness of it and made an extremely fun movie with lovable characters, irreverent comedy and heart.

So does Vol. 2 live up to the heights of the first film? Yes! For the most part. Gunn wisely chooses to deepen the characters and expand upon the humor and action. Returning characters that didn't get a lot of screen time in the first are much more developed and interesting this time around, like Nebula and especially Yondu. Newcomer Mantis also makes a likable addition to the Guardians, and her interactions with Drax are really funny.

Chris Pratt gives an even stronger performance as Peter Quill, and adding Kurt Russell as his father gives the film an interesting dynamic between the two. Bradley Cooper is once again a highlight and Baby Groot is probably the most adorable thing ever shown on film.

Vol. 2 is not a perfect film however. The humor was mostly great, but there were moments that didn't land. Also, the antagonistic gold people felt like an unnecessary and annoying part of the film. I didn't feel that their motivations were warranted and it seemed they were only in the film to add a couple action scenes.

Overall "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" isn't quite as great as the first, but is a very entertaining movie in its own right. It's big, funny, exciting, surprisingly emotional and a satisfying film that is absolutely worth seeing.

8.5/10