Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is an all around great time at the movies, and one of Marvel's better films.

I was surprised by how character-driven it is. Director James Gunn's love for these characters really comes through in Vol. 2 even moreso than the first film, and every single character is fleshed-out with more depth and their own individual times to shine. The entire movie is dripping with color and personality, and you can't help but fall even deeper in love with the team in this second adventure.

Not only is this in the top tier of Marvel's canon, but it is also possibly the single Marvel movie with the most emotional resonance. There are very real undertones to this story, and it will punch you right in the proverbial feels.

All that being said, the movie sags somewhat in the middle, and the third act overstays it's welcome just a bit too long. Guardians 2 is also a truly funny movie, with quips and one-liners galore. However, as much as I love the humor and as much as it fits in the Guardians tone, the jokes did cross the line two or three times as far as intruding on the genuinely emotional moments, lessening their impact somewhat. It's a pet peeve of mine that absolutely everything has to be a joke these days, and Guardians 2 is guilty of that, if only in a few spots. I love humor, but it has a time and place, and doesn't need to be shoe-horned into every single moment.

But if you like Marvel, and especially if you liked the first Guardians, definitely check this one out in the theater. It's well worth your time.

#guardiansofthegalaxy