2, but also that the sequel doesn’t hit the same hilarious highs as its predecessor.

2, the gag is starting to feel like it’s getting a bit old.

The laughs are still there, but they’re less involuntary."

Read on for more from Nashawaty and other reactions from critics.

2is Exhibit A of that.

It’s smarter than most films, but not as smart as the first one.

It’s funnier than most films, but not as funny as the first one.

1was so original and unpredictable and irreverent and silly and sublime thatGuardians Vol.

2can’t help but feel like a step backwards."

Maybe a little too hard.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.

ButGuardians of the Galaxy Vol.

(The closing credits ofVol.

2contain more buttons than a bellhop’s uniform.)

Eric Kohn (IndieWire)

“When the music kicks in,Vol.

2snaps back to life.

With the Guardians always eager to blast the stereo as they head into action,Vol.

Drop the narrative altogether, and the whole thing might play as a 21st-century ‘Yellow Submarine.'”

Peter Travers (Rolling Stone)

“Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol.

2can’t match the sneak-attack surprise of its predecessor.

you’re able to only do that once.

Hanging with Quill and his mercenary space misfits is still everything you’d want in a wild summer ride.

But the MVPs inGuardians 2are still the in-house computerized scene-stealers.

It’s enough for comic immortality.”

Mike Ryan (Uproxx)

“Michael Rooker’s Yondu plays ahugerole inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol.

He’s not always the gruff, tough customer we saw in the first film.

(This movie is all about mixing and matching.)

Compared to the first film, Yondu is at times a bit more of a sad sack.

We also get a lot more between Gamora and her sister, Nebula.

…Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Drax.

His tendency to laugh at people during their worst moments is in full effect inVol.

Drax is a delight.

And he’s a much better rounded character this time around.”

There are no Infinity Stones.

Does Star-Lord’s new relationship with Ego trump his budding romance with Gamora?

Can Gamora put aside her differences with Nebula?

Will Drax put down his grief about the death of his wife and child?

It’s just that those questions don’t really coalesce into a particularly compelling narrative.”

But for all its wit, speed and wacky cameos (Howard the Duck!

this second installment still feels like a disappointment.

and the soundtrack is, of course, terrific.