Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

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.

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.

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.

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.

The playful space sequel looks like an explosion in a nursery school craft cupboard and feels like another yarn from the comic-book annals.

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.

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.

It recycles the successful formula of the first film with witty ribbing between the crew and an inane musical background to the intergalactic action.

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.

The sequel is amiable and goofy with plenty of comedy and cartoony action, but suffers from a weird air of pointlessness and plotlessness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.