I wrote a slightly acerbic review of Vol. 1 of this space romp series, and its problems are not significantly changed here, despite a serviceable plot about lackluster father figures that sort of shimmies itself into thematic incoherence anyway. But its charms are dialed up so high it frequently didn't matter — this looks like the gorgeous, candy-colored sci-fi that lives in my dreams, and that's probably enough for me. James Gunn remains the one guy who is successfully using licensed music to add something to his movie in 2017, and yes I am referring to Edgar Wright come at me.

I also have to say that I'm normally immune to obsequious cuteness and that the Groot stuff didn't really do it for me in Vol. 1, but oh lord did the Groot stuff really land for me this time. Just hootin' and hollerin' and cheerin' the little guy on and nearly crying over his little losses and victories... fine, fine, FINE: I am Groot. Ugh.