Since a sequel to my favorite Marvel movie is coming out this weekend and I am beyond hyped to see what is in store for the second installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy, I figured I would take a look back at the unknown group of misfits that suddenly became a household name overnight.

Very rarely do I go into any movie not knowing much about the characters or what to expect from the story, nevertheless walking into a midsummer Marvel blockbuster and being completely blown away. However, that’s what happened to me all the way back in 2014 with Guardians of the Galaxy. I remember not knowing what to expect as no one really knew who the Guardians of the Galaxy were. All I knew going in was that the funny fat guy from Parks and Recreation Chris Pratt was in it and that the wrestler Dave Bautista was in it too. Little did I know that this movie would etch its way into a special place in my heart.

The reason I think I love Guardians of the Galaxy so much is because it was a huge change of pace from what I’ve come to expect from Marvel, this movie is so much fun and probably has the most amount of humor throughout the entire film of any Marvel movie. It is also the most visually appealing Marvel movie as it finally brought bright colors and unique set pieces to a universe that is mostly very bland. All of this really stems from the incredible writing and love that Director James Gunn has for these characters. He really takes the idea of these wacky criminals and outlaws oddly forming together to end up saving the world and runs with it.

Arguably one of the main parts that holds the movie together is the chemistry that the cast creates with each other. Every cast member you can tell brought their all to the film and it really shows. The standouts in this movie are Star-Lord played by Chris Pratt, Rocket Racoon voiced by Bradley Cooper, and Groot (though he doesn’t say much) surprisingly voiced by Vin Diesel.

My favorite part of the movie and the thing I’m really looking forward to in Volume Two is the soundtrack. The soundtrack is absolutely incredible and I still listen to the songs like “Come and Get Your Love” or “I’m Not in Love” to this day. Gunn’s nostalgic soundtrack full of hits from the 70’s and 80’s works incredibly well with the whole tone of the film.

Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the movies that I can never get tired of watching because it is just so fun and entertaining. The movie never fails to put a good smile on my face or give me a good laugh every now and then whenever I rewatch it (which is way too often).

Catch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in theaters this Friday, May 5th: