VOL. 2 is the more colorful, more profane EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (in terms of pacing and superficial plot points, anyway). Gunn succeeds at separating and challenging the team in order for them to dig deeper into themselves and into what brings them together as a family. His dialogue could've used a few more extra rewrites, but whatever.

Also, plus points for being the most standalone, focused MCU film since IRON MAN 3.