Those looking for clues into Marvel entries like Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Infinity War won’t find any major revelations in the second installment of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - and that’s okay. Choosing instead to focus on the thrills and elements that made the original a smash, the crew returns to discover the origins of Peter Jason Quill’s (Chris Pratt) birth.

Following the steps of the 2014 hit, the film opens with the Guardians - Quill aka Star-Lord, Drax (Dave Bautista), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) on an assignment for a gold hued group called the Sovereign. Led by Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), after paying the Guardians and releasing Gamora’s sister - an evil fugitive - to their custody, the pride fueled group finds itself at odds with the rag-tag galactic crew after Rocket steals valuable batteries.

Vowing revenge, the Sovereign hires Yundu (the talented Michael Rooker), the alien that clumsily raised Quill following the death of his mother, to capture the group and return them to be killed. While fleeing their fleet, the Guardians crash into a planet and cross paths with Ego (Kurt Russell), a celestial being later revealed to be Quill’s father.

Leaving Rocket and baby Groot - who steals the show early on with an entire dance routine during a battle in the opening credits - to guard Nebula and repair the ship; Gamora and Drax join Peter on Ego’s planet as he begins addressing his daddy issues. With assistance from Ego’s “pet” Mantis (Pom Klementieff), they soon discover the reunion isn’t what it seems.

‘80s music lovers will also rejoice as Quill's Awesome Mix returns with goodies like Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" and Sam Cooke's "Bring It Home to Me."

There are few films that live up to their predecessors, and Vol. 2 is no exception, at times going for an easy laugh at the expense of the storyline. But it stays true to its roots, from the colorful interactions between the Guardians to the banter during every fight scene. If nothing else, it’ll serve as a solid offering while we wait for Vol. 3. Though lacking the comedic bite of say Deadpool or Ant Man, I laughed throughout the entire film, a welcome escape as we wait for the rest of Marvel’s loaded roster.

If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead (or any other of his numerous projects) Michael Rook’s take on Yundu will leave you wanting more, though it looks as if his days are limited. Meanwhile those that stay after the credits will get to a sneak peek of a teenage Groot as well as another hidden gem.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters May 5th.