Release Date: May 5, 2017

Director: James Gunn

Starring: Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Start-Lord), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Vin Diesel (Baby Groot)

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Our rating: A

After the tremendous success director James Gunn had with his first movie of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, he was eager to come back and continue the story of the Guardians in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”. In this latest installment to Marvel’s new series, the Guardians return and don’t fail to disappoint in delivering a satisfying and action-packed performance. After only a little over a week of showing in theaters, the movie has made over $146 million in the box office, which is not surprising due to the quality and entertainment the movie provided.

The movie begins with a thrilling action scene featuring a terrifying creature (the Abilisk) that bears a striking resemblance to a kraken, or at least what a kraken would look like if it lived in space. This scene truly reminds us about why we fell in love with the original “Guardians” in the first place: the fight scenes are captivating and over-the-top, but not in a way that makes it seem like overcompensation, and there is, of course, the perfect blend of humor and sarcasm that has become a beloved characteristic of the franchise. It would not be incorrect to suggest that the humor is most likely the main factor that sets this movie (as well as the first installment) apart from the usual action movie.

“The way the movie is filmed and color graded makes it a really fun experience and really distinct from all the other marvel movies that are all filmed to look gritty and serious. You come to these kinds of movies to have fun and the attention to color really helps it accomplish that,” sophomore Miranda Fernandez said.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” has a relatively light plot-line, which actually works to its advantage since it makes the movie easy to follow, and watching it is enjoyable instead of frustrating. However, simply because the plot is not overwhelmingly complex, it does not mean that there is nothing more to the movie than fight scenes. Throughout the movie, one is able to see the characters develop as they discover secrets from their past, and deal with deception and betrayal. “Guardians” also does not disappoint when it comes to giving fans more background on the characters and an insight to their lives prior to being a Guardian. The most notable example probably being when Peter Quinn’s (or Star-lord) real father, Ego, is introduced; after meeting Ego, most of the questions surrounding Quinn’s past are answered, and the plot also takes an unexpected turn.

Although throughout the entirety of the film, it is impossible to deny the one thing that truly stole the show was Baby Groot. Baby Groot, masterfully voiced by Vin Diesel, provided the right amount of relief whenever it was needed, and found a place in everyone’s hearts with its adorable qualities. It would come as no surprise if Diesel were awarded an Oscar for his spectacular performance. It is also important to address the soundtrack, which truly added to the movie’s charm. The song choices were definitely well-suited for the film and will definitely please anyone who loved the first film’s soundtrack featuring hits from 70’s and 80’s.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” did not fail to deliver what was expected of it. Director Gunn was able to flawlessly incorporate both riveting fight scenes and surprisingly heartwarming scenes with ease, and live up to the first “Guardians” movie. A third movie is said to be in making, and hopefully Gunn delivers a movie of the same, or better, quality to live up to its prequels.