Star-Lord and the Guardians are back for another epic space adventure! When I first heard about these superheroes in space they sounded strange and unfamiliar, but I was still completely on board. I’m a total Marvel superhero fangirl and I’m completely fascinated with space and time and Guardians of the Galaxy was the superhero film I didn’t know I was waiting for. I fell in love with Guardians for its galactic setting, its rag tag band of misfits/heroes, and its awesome soundtrack. As much as Guardians was just another superhero origin story among many, it was a breath of fresh air. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is just as entertaining and action-packed as the first film, but it's also different enough in story and theme that it serves as a successful sequel that expands on everything that was introduced in the first film.
If you're familiar with Guardians, then you know that the soundtrack is essential, not only to Peter Quill, but to the overall tone of the films. Vol. 2 starts on a high note as the intro scene showcases a criminally adorable Baby Groot dancing to my legit all time favorite song, "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra. Without missing a beat, the film jumps right back into the action as the Guardians work together to take down a monster, a scene that serves to remind the audience of the character dynamics that were established in the first film. Although they may fight and bicker at times, they still get the job done. At the end of the day they’re still a team. They’re family. And unsurprisingly enough, Vol. 2 is very much a family affair. Peter Quill’s origin was left to question at the end of the first film and those questions are quickly answered as Peter finally meets his long absent and mysterious father.
While Peter’s origin is at the center of the film, each of the Guardians have a defining arc outside of the main plot. The audience learns the history behind the rivalry between Gamora and Nebula, sisters fighting with very different motives. Rocket and Yondu share a moment about the pains of not having a family, and despite Drax’s limited emotional range, we are exposed to the unbearable pain of how much he truly misses his wife and child. Writer/Director James Gunn did a great job of building these characters and organically giving them depth throughout the film. The film explores themes of what it's like to lose your family, of feeling alone and estranged, to what it's like to create a new family, and to learning to appreciate the family in front of you. I found Vol. 2 to be equally as enjoyable as the first, despite having some pacing issues and some of the humor falling flat. However, I do think that the first Guardians of the Galaxy is a better film overall, but the themes in Vol. 2 create a stronger emotional and personal connection for me. I'm torn between which film I like better and how I would rank them because both films are great by their own right. But either way, the galaxy definitely needs more dancing Baby Groot!