First off, holy Kevin Bacon I forget how great this movie is sometimes. There isn't a single thing I don't like about it. I remember going into this movie with no idea what to expect, watching the opening sequence, and just being floored. My friend leaned over as the Marvel logo did its thing and said something like 'Well, now everyone is crying.'

But, on to what I just realized. Other people may have already came to this conclusion, but I'm going to share my feelings on it anyways. During that opening sequence, Peter doesn't take his mother's hand as she dies. It's heartbreaking. He just couldn't accept losing her. I completely relate, as I lost my father to cancer when I was 16. It was hard just to look at him, the man I saw as the strongest, smartest man in the world, as he wasted away. The one thing I regret most is not spending more time with him during his final days.

As Peter is holding the infinity gem, something he knows could very well kill him, Gamora shouts for him to take her hand. His mind instantly goes to his biggest regret: not taking his mother's hand. He sees her in what may be his last moments and at that time does what he has always wished he could do. He takes her hand. Fuck, it was beautiful.

After that, he finally opens the gift his mother gave him at the start. Recall that she told him to open it when she was gone. It had taken him all those years to finally accept that she was gone. And the first song on it is all about unstoppable love. It is a cathartic ending. I absolutely love that she wasn't used as just a brief intro into this character, but rather a major influence on the character throughout his lifetime.

Recently someone asked for a list of everyone's favorite Marvel movies since Civil War came out. Since Civil War was totally amazing and the most fresh in my mind, I put it at the top. I officially change my mind. I don't know if any movie will ever top Guardians of the Galaxy for me. I have no idea how they plan to top it in Vol. 2, but I am eagerly awaiting the day. I'd buy my ticket now if I could. Thank you Marvel, James Gunn, Chris Pratt, and everyone who worked on the most surprisingly amazing and heartfelt movie I've ever seen.