Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Better Than Vol. 1? (Spoiler-Free)

Kofi Outlaw

05/02/2017 02:14 pm EDT

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is about to hit theaters, bringing Marvel fans a much-anticipated sequel to one of the most unique and fun films in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As with any sequel, it's a a hard task to improve upon the original - especially when the original is as loved as Guardians of the Galaxy is. While there's no doubt that fans are going to love both Guardians films (we did, as we stated in our official review); however, ever since the movie was released overseas, there's been a growing debate about whether the sequel is better or worse than the original.

Before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters, we thought we'd offer a SPOILER-FREE impression of whether or not the sequel lives up to the achievements of the original. So Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 better than Vol. 1? Let's break it down.

The Visuals

In terms of visuals, there is no question: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is far superior to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1.

It's no surprise that the visual effects work and makeup is better (after all, Marvel sequels are famous for getting a big budget increase); however, director James Gunn has truly done his best work in GotGv2.

We won't SPOIL anything by giving you a scene-by-scene breakdown of spectacular moments in the movie (that will come later, once more fans have seen the film). What we will say now, is that Vol. 2 is a visual feast; one of the best-looking movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; and is totally worth a 3D viewing.

Once you see the superpowered action and colorful designs of the larger cosmic MCU, there will be no debate about which installment did it best.

The Characters

The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise has (hands down) one of the best lineup of characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe - but there is a slight distinction between Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 - and the sequel ultimately has the better lineup.

To be fair, this is a comparison that's easily weighted in Vol. 2's favor: Vol. 1 had the task of introducing all of the main Guardians team members, three prominent villain characters (Ronan, Nebula, and Thanos), while also showing off more of the Marvel Cosmic Universe. It's understandable that it wouldn't have the depth of characters that Vol. 2 masterfully explores.

At the same time, though: GotGv2 introduces all sorts of new characters (The Sovereign, New Ravagers, EGO, Mantis, Taserface, and some big character cameo reveals), and still manages to tell a better central character story, with much more resonance and power than the first film.

The Story

In terms of storyline it's a closer call, but ultimately, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 edges out Vol. 1 to claim the win.

The big difference is that GotGv2 takes on more story threads, character arcs, and deeper themes of family and trauma - threads that Vol. 1 only introduced and/or scratched the surface of. While that increased complexity sometimes causes drag (see: Act II), Vol. 2 ultimately pulls its various threads and deeper themes together into satisfyingly powerful and resonant story.

The story of Guardians of the Galaxy was a lot simpler and more streamlined, but it's Vol. 2 that really brings (and cements) this oddball family as a unit, and makes them feel like real people, above and beyond the realm of comic book fantasy.

The Comedy

Comedy is a big part of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies - but James Gunn really got that balance right the first time.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 had a lot of great comedic moments and introduced several great comedic characters (Rocket, Groot, Drax...) in a way that was at once novel, and endearing. Unfortunately, Vol. 2 pushes things too far, with comedy that goes much further over-the-top than it needs to.

Rocket, Drax, and even adorable "Baby Groot" all have moments in Vol. 2 that fall on the wrong side of obnoxious or distracting, and even the villains can't be serious for long without offbeat breaks, where they try (and sometimes fail) to deliver slapstick laughs. Comparatively, Vol. 1 was pitch-perfect with its alternation between comic book movie action, ensemble comedy, and family drama ...Which makes it even harder to understand how that comedy was pushed too far in Vol. 2.

If it ain't broke...

More Guardians of the Galaxy

(Photo: Marvel Entertainment)

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 opens in the domestic market this Friday.

Set to the backdrop of 'Awesome Mixtape #2,' Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

UP NEXT: James Gunn Tells Fans Not To Worry Over Spoilers

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn (Slither). The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (Jurassic World) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (Spectre) as Drax; Vin Diesel (Furious 7) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (Jumper) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (The Big Short) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop) and Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight, The Thing).

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