Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) Movie Review NO SPOILERS: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Kurt Russell, Michael Rooker
Plot
The Guardians are now famous heroes-for-hire, but they are still as dysfunctional as ever. After stealing batteries from a powerful golden race called the Sovereign, they are saved from destruction by a mysterious figure: Ego (Kurt Russell).
Ego reveals he is Peter’s long-lost father and a Celestial — a literal “living planet.” Peter, Drax, and Gamora travel to his world to explore Peter’s heritage.
Meanwhile, Rocket and Groot are captured by Yondu (Michael Rooker) and his Ravagers, who are dealing with a mutiny within their own ranks. This arc also dives deep into the toxic, tragic relationship between Gamora and Nebula.
Peter eventually discovers that having a god for a father isn’t the dream he imagined, leading to a massive showdown that puts the entire galaxy at risk.
Get Jays Geronca’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
The film concludes with an emotional finale that shifted the focus from Peter’s biological father to the man who actually raised him, resulting in what many fans in still call the “saddest scene in Marvel history.”
The Review
- The Color Palette: In 2026, Vol. 2 is often cited as the most visually stunning MCU film. From the neon “Berhert” forest to the fractal, psychedelic landscapes of Ego’s planet, James Gunn pushed the 4K HDR technology of the time to its absolute limit.
- Michael Rooker’s Yondu: Looking back, this is Yondu’s movie. His “I’m Mary Poppins, y’all!” moment remains iconic, but it’s the depth, Rooker brought to the character — transitioning from a secondary villain to the film’s moral heart — that makes it a masterpiece.
- Baby Groot: Even 9 years later, the opening dance sequence to “Mr. Blue Sky” is a masterclass in tone. It managed to be adorable, funny, and technically impressive all at once. WOW! I can’t believe it had been 9 years ago.
- Joke Saturation: A common 2026 critique is that the movie occasionally “steps on its own toes” with humor. Some of the banter — specifically regarding “Taserface” or Drax’s overly loud laughing — can feel a bit stretched during rewatches compared to the tighter script of the first film.
- The Sovereign: While Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) is great, her faction often feels like a side-plot that distracts from the much more interesting family drama happening on Ego’s planet.
Summary
Guardians Vol. 2 is a raw, vibrant exploration of Generational Trauma and Found Fatherhood, arguing that biology is the least important part of what makes a family. By contrasting Ego’s cold perfection with Yondu’s messy, sacrificial love, the film suggests that our “worth” IS NOT FOUND in our DNA or our potential for godhood, but in the people we choose to protect.
***Shop***
Watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2.0
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2.0 Figures Collectible
Shop on Amazon
Business Company Logo CUSTOMIZABLE Khaki Trucker Hat
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
(As a Zazzle Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
