Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Using every single color of a jumbo box of Crayola crayons, Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" is a phenomenally entertaining kaleidoscope of balls-to-the wall fun.

While the first volume of a lesser known Marvel property was incredibly enjoyable, it was still harnessed with the need to explain the backstory of our characters and bring the group of rag-tag criminals and adventurers together. That said, it still managed to be one of the more original Marvel entries in years, and the follow-up boosts that tradition by adding a healthy dose of family drama and honest emotion to the rollicking one-liners and terrific character interplay.

This time around, our Guardians -- Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket Racoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) are tasked to protect a collection of highly sought-after batteries harbored by a gilded race of arrogant golden-hued humanoids led by high priestess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki). Some sort of crazy beast wants to eat them (or something) and the Guardians gather to stop it from doing just that. But once this task is completed, Rocket pisses the race off by stealing some of the batteries because "it was so easy." So after a narrow escape, the group finds themselves stranded on the planet of Berhart. But not for long. The arrival of a mysterious craft brings about a huge surprise for Quill: His father Ego (Kurt Russell). Having wondered who and where his "starman" father has been since he was a kid, Quill is more than willing to follow this man anywhere to learn who he is and where he came from. Off Quill, Gamora, and Ego's assistant Mantis (Pom Klementieff) go, to Ego's planet (like, his own planet) to get the scoop.

Left behind are Drax, Rocket, and Gamora's evil sister Nebula (Karen Gillan). But when a group of renegades led by Yondu (Michael Rooker) come looking for Rocket and the stolen batteries, all hell breaks loose for them as well. Yondu, you see, is the being who essentially raised Quill after Quill's mother died of cancer. But some misunderstandings separated the pair, and they've been estranged ever since. While Yondu has been accused of some horrible things, he clearly is out to set things right.

The non-stop pace of "Vol. 2" follows these two storylines effectively while keeping the action high, the special effects soaring, the decades-old tunes flowing, and the potent emotional element in the forefront. This aspect of director James Gunn's script is what makes "Vol. 2" so special. While the "Fast and the Furious" movies continually remind us their story is all about "family," this film really takes that point home. Whether it's the relationship between Quill and his long-lost dad, Gomora and her angry sister, or the fact that this unusual crew really have formed a close unit, no note feels false and each storyline feels rich and earned.

Sure, once the third-act rolls around there's a little too-much frenetic action, but the moments of sentiment punctuate the stakes at hand. There's about a ten-minute stretch where the mind goes blank as the bombs and guns go crazy, but it ultimately all works. And, thankfully, the story doesn't just end with a victory. It ends with the characters having learned and earned where they end up. And that's what makes "Guardians" one of the better superhero films. It takes itself seriously enough for us to be invested, but it doesn't forget its origins. This is a comic-book film through and through. It doesn't disguise itself as a war movie or an espionage thriller. It doesn't try to be something more profound than it needs to be. It's simple, heartfelt, supremely engaging, and expertly made. In short, it's a perfect night out with a group of lovable weirdos out to save the world.