“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (PG-13) 

The quirkiest antiheroes in the universe are back and funnier than ever in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” a sequel that often times matches the greatness of the original if not exceeds it.

The whole crew — Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper) and Groot (voice of Vin Diesel) — are back, this time to encounter Star-Lord’s long-lost father, Ego (Kurt Russell).

Listen to Tim’s review of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” on “The KQ 92 Morning Show” with Tom Barnard.

While writer-director James Gunn’s film gets serious at times as it confronts family issues in and outside of the core group, Bautista and Cooper are laugh-out funny throughout, and easily keep the film from being dragged into the doldrums.

“Vol. 2” has it all: The special effects are beyond compare, the action is engaging and most important of all, some big twists make the film unexpectedly poignant.

Like the first “Guardians” film, “Vol. 2” is loaded with nostalgic songs from the 1970s, which once again sets the perfect tone during the entire picture. Be sure to stick around at the very end as there are not one or two, but five post-credits scenes. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is already in the works, and it can’t come soon enough.

Lammometer: 8 (out of 10)

Watch Tim’s review of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” with Alicia Lewis on KARE 11.