The first reactions for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” are in, and we all knew it was going to be fun and hilarious — but many critics say the film also played heavy on emotion.
“GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 is exciting, funny, gorgeous & a helluva tearjerker. For many, it will become their new favorite Marvel movie,” Fandango’s managing editor Erik Davis tweeted.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is funnier than the original, a ton of surprises, and an unexpected emotional profoundness. I am Groot,” said Peter Sciretta, editor at Slashfilm.
Yes, the lucky early critics also praised Baby Groot and also the performance of Yondu, portrayed by Michael Rooker.
Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Kurt Russell and Glenn Close all star in the follow-up to the hit Marvel original.
“Guardians of the Galaxy” was a major worldwide success when it premiered in Aug. 2014. The film grossed over $770 million at the box office, with more than $330 million of that coming from the U.S.
On Monday, director James Gunn also announced he would be writing and directing the third installment in the franchise.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is set to premiere on May 5.
See early reactions below.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 is exciting, funny, gorgeous & a helluva tearjerker. For many, it will become their new favorite Marvel movie pic.twitter.com/Po4ZOSPs8Q
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) April 18, 2017
Also: Come for the movie, stay for the not one, not two, not three, but *four* post credit scenes.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) April 18, 2017
There's more beauty & depth & '80s love in GUARDIANS VOL. 2 than any of the Marvel movies. It's like a water-color acid trip full of awesome pic.twitter.com/m80OSUD31p
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) April 18, 2017
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is funnier than the original, a ton of surprises, and an unexpected emotional profoundness. I am Groot.
— /Film (@slashfilm) April 18, 2017
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 kept a smile on my face from beginning to end. Funny, action packed, emotional, and tons of surprises. Thumbs up. pic.twitter.com/aIz7Redwin
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) April 18, 2017
Baby Groot is cuter than you can possibly imagine, Star-Lord reminds me why I liked Pratt, but YONDU ?? is the real standout. #GotGVol2
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) April 18, 2017
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a whole heap of fun. Gorgeous, a bit mad, and surprisingly emotional. And yes, Baby Groot is everything.
— Haleigh Foutch (@HaleighFoutch) April 18, 2017
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is filled with tons of surprises and an unexpected amount of emotion. Another Marvel winner.
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) April 18, 2017
I say without hyperbole: #GotGVol2 is MCU at its very best. Grand adventure with intimate stakes. Uses every damn color in the crayon box. ?
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) April 18, 2017