The film was so incredibly good. I was hoping for some groundwork to be laid for Avengers: Infinity War¸ but there was little of that to be found on this first watch. That is not an issue that detracts from the movie though, because as we have seen in the past, laying the groundwork for something bigger can ultimately ruin the current story. That was an issue in the second Avengers film as they were trying to lead in the Civil War story in the following Captain America film.

It was odd to see Elizabeth Debicki in a role like this one, but it was cleverly done and I honestly do not think that anyone could have done the roll better. As a villain, she absolutely shines, which makes sense considering her more mainstream roles like that in Man From U.N.C.L.E. Ayesha; the character she plays, is one that we will undoubtedly see again as evidenced in an end credits scene. She will pave the way for Adam Warlock to appear.

Now, I have not read that many Guardians of the Galaxy comic books. I have read the bare minimum to understand a bit more, but not much else. What I do know is the onscreen father of Peter Quill is not the same man in the books. In the film, his father is Ego, played by Kurt Russell. The little I knew of that character was that he was a sentient planet. It struck me as an odd choice considering his father is not a hidden secret in the comics. J’son of Spartax had that honor. He ruled a planet, which gave way to Quill’s moniker of Star-Lord becoming less of a nickname and more of an actual title. However, for the film, it seems to be more of a moniker than anything else.

For reasons that would spoil the film, that is where I will leave off with that discussion.

As mentioned previously, this is a self-contained film that focuses more on character building and world building (pun intended). We gain more of an insight into all the characters, not the just Quill. There are parts of the film that explore the relationship between Gamora and Nebula, her estranged sister. The is also more about the Ravager Yondu, the blue skinned man with the flying arrow. Hos role is one of the highlights of the film.

Pom Klementieff was a scene stealer as Mantis, a character that I know little about but is decently popular character from the information I have gathered. I do look forward to seeing her in the upcoming Avengers film. Her awkwardness and lack of knowledge in social skills, much like Drax, will make for an interesting mix.

Overall, this film is very good and extremely well done considering its predecessor. With Marvel consistently churning out hit films with excellent acting and interesting stories, there are bound to be a few duds, but this is not one of them. I highly recommend seeing it as I have no complaints other than the heavy exposition in the first half of the film.

I would also be weary of taking children to see this due to the some fo the subject matter and crude humor with the film. Other than that, go see it.