Guardians of the Galaxy 2: Bigger, Badder, and back with more Music

Over the weekend, I sat down with my girlfriend and two of our friends to watch the Guardians of the Galaxy return to the big screen, with a story that brought a lot more development to the cast (each in its own way), and brought the team that much closer to the eventual super-team up that will occur in Avengers: Infinity War. This latest blockbuster from Marvel Studios is another piece in the very long awaited puzzle building up to a titanic showdown.

As Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has just opened several days ago, I'm not going to give away any of the plot for all those who have not seen it yet.

But I am going to say this, there is a lot of great character development throughout the course of the movie, and it unifies the Guardians in a way that was totally unexpected, but when the dust and smoke of the movie and its action had settled, made total and perfect sense. In particular, the character development for Yondu (played again by Michael Rooker) and Rocket Raccoon (voiced again by Bradley Cooper), was very stand out and lent a very strong element of these two gruff and tough space hard-cases being even more likable and memorable then the first time around.

The special effects for this movie were a treat, just like with the previous one, with the Guardians knocking about the galaxy, making it safe for all inhabitants and visiting some pretty strange and outrageous worlds in the process.

Vol. 2 has a soundtrack that is just as fun and full of great sound as the first time around, including songs from Electric Light Orchestra, Fleetwood Mac, Cheap Trick, Sweet and Looking Glass. Each song was clearly chosen in a precise manner to line up with different parts of the story, adding that old school music touch to another film that has some salutes to the 80's and Star-Lord's childhood.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a welcome return for the entire cast (and with some new faces added into the mix as well). It was refreshing to see the team back together again, kicking butt, saving the day, all to the tunes of the 20th century, with special effects that are to die for. This is a another cinematic triumph for Marvel Studios, and after Avengers: Infinity War hits theater's in 2018, I can't wait to see what direction the Guardians of the Galaxy are taken next. I am giving this superhero smash high marks, and urge anyone and everyone who reads this review, if you haven't seen it yet, go see it!!!