---
title: "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2"
year: 2017
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2"
fi1m_score: 64
critics_score: 65
critics_reviews: 24
published: "2026-09-19T12:09:31.667058+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-19T12:09:33.933038+00:00"
region: "US"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Directed by James Gunn · 2h 17m · MPA PG-13 · Science Fiction, Adventure, Action

**Fi1m score: 64** · Critics 65 from 24 reviews

*In a sentence:* Baby Groot dances through the opening fight and the rest of the film spends two hours trying to get that feeling back

> James Gunn’s sequel is brighter, sadder and about half an hour longer than it needs to be. The jokes still land and the last stretch is moving; in between, the story is a man walking around a planet with his father.

## Synopsis

Missouri, 1980: a young man drives a young woman through the woods and shows her a strange plant he has put in the ground. Thirty-four years later her son Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), who calls himself Star-Lord, leads the Guardians in a paid job for the Sovereign, a gold-skinned people ruled by Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki): kill the beast attacking their batteries. Rocket (Bradley Cooper) steals some of those batteries on the way out, the Sovereign fleet gives chase, and a stranger blows it apart before the Guardians crash-land. He is Ego (Kurt Russell), and he says he is Quill’s father. He wants Quill to come home with him; Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) doubts him, and the Sovereign hire Yondu (Michael Rooker) and his Ravagers to bring the thieves in.

## Review

James Gunn’s second Guardians film opens in Missouri in 1980, with a young man driving a young woman through the trees, and then jumps thirty-four years to a battle with a many-toothed thing on a golden planet, during which a tiny tree dances to Electric Light Orchestra and the fight goes on behind him, unwatched. Gunn wants to tell us where Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) came from, and he wants to keep the jokes and the songs that made the first one a surprise. He manages the songs and the jokes. The story is thinner than he thinks, and he stretches it across 137 minutes regardless.

The setup is quick. The Sovereign, a gold-skinned people ruled by Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), hire the Guardians to protect some batteries; Rocket (Bradley Cooper) steals a few on the way out; the Sovereign fleet gives chase; a stranger destroys it and the Guardians crash. The stranger is Ego (Kurt Russell), who says he is Quill’s father, has a soft-voiced empath called Mantis (Pom Klementieff) at his elbow, and would like his son to come home. Ayesha then hires Yondu (Michael Rooker) to fetch the thieves, and Yondu’s own crew, led by Taserface (Chris Sullivan), have views about how soft he has gone.

It is the best-looking of these films. Scott Chambliss builds Ego’s planet out of pastel bubbles, glass fronds and a palace that seems to have been blown rather than built, and puts the Sovereign in a gold so total that Judianna Makovsky’s costumes and the walls behind them are the same colour. Henry Braham shoots it all saturated, purples against ambers, pink skies, stars in every window, and holds his frames long enough for us to see what the money bought. It is a great deal to look at. Twenty minutes in we found ourselves wanting a plain grey room.

The people hold it up. Michael Rooker’s Yondu, a blue kidnapper with a whistle-guided arrow, is the film’s best performance, hurt and mean and funnier than his lines. His scenes with Rocket are the reason the film exists: two men who insult anyone who comes near them, each seeing the trick in the other. Dave Bautista plays Drax as a man who says every thought as he has it, and his double act with Klementieff’s Mantis, who has never met anyone rude before, had us laughing harder than we care to admit. He tells her she is hideous. She thanks him. We felt slightly ashamed, and then he said it again.

The trouble is the middle, on Ego’s planet, where the plot is Quill walking around with his father while everyone else waits for him to finish. Pratt and Russell are good together, two easy charmers who talk alike. But there are only so many ways to film two men in a garden, and Fred Raskin and Craig Wood, who cut the opening with such wit, have nothing to cut away to for half an hour but a ship in a forest and a quarrel. Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) and Nebula (Karen Gillan) argue about their childhoods in lines that read like case notes. Tyler Bates’s score does honest work under the fights; the songs are asked to carry feelings the script has not yet earned.

And then the last stretch happened, and it got us. We will not say how. A film we had been checking our watches through for forty minutes produced, in its final fifteen, a lump in the throat we had not braced for, and it did it with a character rather than a spectacle. We were moved, and slightly cross at how much wandering it had taken to get there.

Against the first film this is the odder, sadder sibling. That one had a plot you could say in a sentence and a team who did not yet like one another; this one has a team who like one another and say so, often, and a villain plan that turns up late and is settled with the usual noise. See it with someone who liked the first one. At home the middle can be paused for the kettle. It runs 137 minutes and carries a 12A.

*Fi1m score 64, published 19 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics like it, and most of them like it a little less than the first film. The praise gathers around the characters rather than the plot: the crew are given interior lives, the family material about fathers and siblings carries real feeling, and the jokes mostly land. Baby Groot, Rocket and Drax are singled out repeatedly, as is the soundtrack, and James Gunn is credited with keeping the focus on his ensemble while the scale grows.

The reservations are consistent even among admirers. The plot is thin, the second act sags, the running time is long and several of the jokes come round twice. The spread is wide. British reviews are warm, with the Guardian the coolest of them, finding the whole thing amiable but pointless. The sharpest dissent comes from a bloc of American outlets, among them the Hollywood Reporter, Variety and the New York Times, which find the film strained, the bickering grating and the charm of the original mislaid. The sentiment divides them most: earned for some, forced for others.

### Reviews we read (24)

- **Empire**, Chris Hewitt (80/100, inferred): Gunn has done it again, crafting a sequel that keeps the focus on the characters while adding genuine emotion beneath the sass. It is not quite as fresh as the original but remains a triumph. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/guardians-galaxy-vol-2-review/)
- **Evening Standard**, Matthew Norman (80/100, inferred): The sequel adds emotional heft and psychological conflicts while preserving the ironic wit, making the emotional elements feel natural without cheap sentimentality. It is every inch an equal to the original despite some pacing slackening. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-film-review-coalition-of-chaos-a3680671.html)
- **Slant Magazine**, Jake Cole (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the film for escalating action scale and inventive sequences while delivering the finest sustained emotional storytelling in a Marvel production through its family themes. Some repetitive jokes and cutesy elements undermine the irreverent tone at times. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2/)
- **The Independent** (4/5): The sequel gives even the most outlandish characters an interior life and blends humour, action and soul-searching almost perfectly. It risks turning overly sentimental in the final reel. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review-marvel-ego-chris-pratt-starlord-baby-groot-kurt-russell-a7698641.html)
- **The Telegraph**, Robbie Collin (4/5): The playful space sequel looks like an explosion in a nursery school craft cupboard and feels like another yarn from the comic-book annals. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2017/04/24/guardians-galaxy-vol-2-review/)
- **Screen Daily** (70/100, inferred): The critic calls it a lively and unabashedly sentimental sequel that turns into a family affair, with dynamic visuals, emotional depth in character arcs involving fathers and siblings, and genuine pathos beneath the sarcasm, though it can feel overstuffed. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review/5116950.article)
- **Sight and Sound**, Kim Newman (70/100, inferred): The critic finds it an enjoyably nostalgic sequel with fun elements, witty soundtrack choices and engaging characters like Mantis, but notes the novelty is wearing thin with repetitive jokes and small personal stories that hamper the sense of infinite wonder. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/guardians-galaxy-vol-2-review-small-stories-from-big-universe)
- **The Times**, Kate Muir (★★★★☆): It recycles the successful formula of the first film with witty ribbing between the crew and an inane musical background to the intergalactic action. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-hd73z6mhj)
- **Total Film**, Lauren O'Callaghan (70/100, inferred): The film delivers action, humour and strong character moments with Baby Groot stealing scenes, but struggles to recapture the original's magic due to forced emotions and obvious one-liners. It remains a damn good movie that fans will enjoy. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review/)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (65/100, inferred): The sequel is amiable and goofy with plenty of comedy and cartoony action, but suffers from a weird air of pointlessness and plotlessness. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/apr/24/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-film-review-chris-pratt-baby-groot-vin-diesel)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (30/100, inferred): The magic of the first film has taken a serious hit due to prosperity and anxiety, with irreverence becoming dogma. It is not without successful elements but tries too hard to repeat the original's success. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-guardians-of-the-galaxy-2-review-20170503-story.html)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel less charming than the first, with the misfit characters now grating and bickering unamusingly while the action feels rote and been-there-done-that. The father-son scenes between Chris Pratt and Kurt Russell stand out as the best and most meaningful. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/guardians-galaxy-vol-2-review-996282/)
- **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane (30/100, inferred): The film starts with silliness and pep but splutters when it treats the quest for meaning seriously, leading to a noisy climax. The genial balance of the first film has been mislaid. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/05/15/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-and-chuck-reviews)
- **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis (30/100, inferred): The sequel has the digital effects and self-aware humor of the first but feels strained as if everyone is trying too hard. It has visual attractions but lacks a resonant origin story and narrative depth. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-2-review-chris-pratt.html)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (30/100, inferred): It is a witty and extravagant followup but works harder for less fun than the first film. The director is trying too hard, making it a smaller deal despite being an adventure worth taking. [Read](https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review-chris-pratt-1202032231/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Stefan Pape (5/5): The film is a masterclass in storytelling that balances irreverent fun with poignant human themes and an emotional core. Gunn excels at developing well-rounded characters with nuanced arcs for the full ensemble. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film for its entertaining cast and characters, the best in any Marvel movie, noting it maintains the charm despite being bigger, and highlights the fun soundtrack and post-credits scenes. He credits James Gunn for preserving the likability and wit while expanding the scope, singling out Baby Groot, Rocket, Drax, and the eclectic soundtrack. [Read](https://deadline.com/2017/04/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review-chris-pratt-marvel-sequel-video-1202076627/)
- **Collider**, Haleigh Foutch (B+): The critic finds the film uproariously funny with strong emotional depth in its family themes and character arcs, but notes it falls short of the original's freshness and has some tonal imbalances. [Read](https://collider.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-2-review/)
- **Digital Spy**, Hugh Armitage (80/100, inferred): The critic affirms that Gunn delivers again with deeper emotional arcs for the large cast and balanced action-comedy, though notes a flabby second act and excessive length. Praises the performances and character development. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a826461/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review/)
- **/Film**, Jack Giroux (8/10): Gunn prioritizes character and ensemble moments over a light plot, delivering emotional depth in relationships like those between Gamora and Nebula or involving Yondu. The film bursts with personality and offers satisfying growth for its heroes. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/550777/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Don Kaye (4 out of 5): The critic says it succeeds as a character piece with satisfying arcs for the team, but notes a slender plot and meandering second act. Praises the added depth to characters and the moving conclusion. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review/)
- **The Wrap** (70/100, inferred): The review describes the sequel as enjoyable filler for fans, with engaging banter and emotional moments among the characters, but criticizes it for not advancing the story meaningfully or matching the first film's freshness. It singles out the interplay between the heroes and the charm of baby Groot for praise. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review-mcu-marvel-chris-pratt/)
- **The Ringer**, K. Austin Collins (65/100, inferred): The critic calls the film an undeniable mess overlong and complex with too many daddy issues, but praises its endearing sweet tone, humor in action set pieces, and willingness to be corny. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2017/05/05/pop-culture/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-review-8def2fb7130f)
- **Polygon**, Susana Polo (60/100, inferred): The critic says the film fails to expand on its premise or take characters anywhere unexpected, making it just more of the same, but praises its stunning visuals, clever action, and ability to still move the viewer emotionally. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/2017/4/24/15412816/review-guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-marvel)

## Details

- **Director:** James Gunn
- **Director:** James Gunn
- **Writer:** James Gunn
- **Cinematography:** Henry Braham
- **Editor:** Craig Wood, Fred Raskin
- **Music:** Tyler Bates
- **Production design:** Scott Chambliss
- **Costume design:** Judianna Makovsky
- **Producer:** Kevin Feige
- **Cast:** Chris Pratt as Peter Quill / Star-Lord; Zoe Saldaña as Gamora; Dave Bautista as Drax; Vin Diesel as Baby Groot (voice); Bradley Cooper as Rocket (voice); Kurt Russell as Ego; Michael Rooker as Yondu; Karen Gillan as Nebula
- **Runtime:** 2h 17m
- **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13
- **Release (the US):** 5 May 2017
- **Genres:** Science Fiction, Adventure, Action
- **Budget:** $200 million
- **Box office:** $864 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUn05hdkhjM

## Where to watch in the US

- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent $5.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy $19.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $19.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-19.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2018: Best Visual Effects (nominated)
- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2018: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Galaxy Quest* (1999): A crew of misfits who do not want the job; funnier and half an hour shorter.
- *Serenity* (2005): A ship of outlaws who bicker like family; Whedon’s crew film, made on far less.
- *The Fifth Element* (1997), Fi1m 73: Besson’s candy-coloured space opera, equally loud, and fond of its own silliness. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-fifth-element.md)
- *Paper Moon* (1973): A con man and a girl who may be his daughter, in black and white Kansas.
- *Big Fish* (2003), Fi1m 78: Burton on a son who cannot tell his father’s stories from his father. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/big-fish.md)

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© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2