Movie review - Guardians of the Galaxy 2

THIS highly-entertaining sequel to the 2014 blockbuster that catapulted Chris Pratt into Hollywood A-list, may seem all over the place plot-wise, but it is still a fun ride.
The movie begins with our mercenary heroes – Peter Quill (Pratt), Gamora (Saldana), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Drax (Dave Bautista) and Baby Groot (voiced by an ­auto-tuned Vin Diesel) – battling a giant space monster at the behest of Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), the high priestess of the golden-­coloured Sovereign people who believe themselves to be genetically superior to other alien races.
In exchange for killing the monster, our heroes are given Nebula (Karen Gillan), Gamora's very angry sister.
However, they are soon pursued by the Sovereign who accuse them of stealing, but are rescued by Ego (Kurt Russell), who turns out to be Peter's long-lost father.
Turns out it was Ego who hired Yondu (Rooker) to bring Peter to him years ago, and the movie explores the mystery of why Yondu did not do what he was hired to do.
Yondu himself is facing a rebellion for his relationship with Peter, and is ostracised by other ravagers, including his one-time mentor Stakar Ogord (Sylvester Stallone).
The movie also explores father-son relationships, and the complicated sibling relationship that Gamora has with ­Nebula.
New character Mantis (Pom Klementieff) offers some comic relief, due to her unique powers and innocence.
But Baby Groot is undoubtedly the biggest scene-stealer with his adorable child-like antics.
As plots go, there are several, all leading to one big blow-out in the end. There are also lots of long action scenes, which means the relationship issues are merely skimmed over.
Nonetheless, the movie offers all the fun and adventure of the first film, plus a great ­soundtrack.
Look out for some cool cameo ­appearances, and sit through the end credits for five ­additional clips related to the movie.

Watch the trailer here: