Why Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is one of my most beloved Marvel movies.

Recently posted on the MarvelStudios sub, but figured it'd fit here just as well.

Obviously Vol.2 is visually stunning, it's action-packed, it's funny and has some of the best song choices in any movie and it has a great heart. But above all else, as Groot's actor would put it, it's a movie that's all about family.

The Guardians are a group of misfits who come together to form a family. They're all damaged in different ways, but they find acceptance and love with each other. They're willing to sacrifice everything for each other, no matter what.

This message of family is what makes Vol. 2 so special.

It's a movie that reminds us that family isn't just about blood. It's about the people who love and support us, no matter what.

In addition to its message of family, Vol. 2 is also just a really good time. It's action-packed, funny and visually stunning, with what is definitely one of the best visuals in any Marvel movie. Also the music is just brilliant. Gunn's signature mix of classic rock and pop songs that perfectly complement the tone of the movie, it's quite possibly one of the greatest movie soundtracks of the past decade.

Also I have to mention the opening scene where the Guardians battle a giant space monster and the camera focuses on Groot who is busy hooking up a sound system with Mr Blue Skies beginning to play, followed by Groot dancing along to the music. With the unique choice of having the camera focus on Groot dancing for nearly the entire time with the giant battle taking place mostly in the background.

Lastly, the ending can't be understated. Yondu's funeral scene is tragic, heartfelt and beautiful. Peter dealing with his dad Ego and his own "EGO" in the psychological sense. Accepting his realization that he prefers to be a human with family rather than a celestial who's alone, all while he's coming to grip with who his real father was all along. Kraglin's reaction to the Ravagers showing up, Rocket realising his and Yondu's similarities, Groot being taken care of by the Guardians, like parents take care of babies and with the ultimate heart-felt song of Cat Stevens' Father and Son playing. It is one of the only superheroes with a quiet ending and it is beautiful.