‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Is A Satisfying And Beautiful Conclusion For Our Heroes – Review
As we eagerly await the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the anticipation for the final chapter in James Gunn’s trilogy continues to build.
Before diving into the upcoming film, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the journey that brought us here. What sets the Guardians of the Galaxy apart from other superhero franchises is their unique history and legacy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). When the first Guardians film was released in 2014, it was a risky move for Marvel Studios. The team was relatively unknown to the general public, and the film’s irreverent humor and offbeat characters were a departure from the studio’s more formulaic superhero fare.
However, the film was a surprise hit, earning critical acclaim and a very passionate fan following. The success of the first film paved the way for a sequel and cemented the Guardians as a key part of the larger MCU franchise. With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Gunn not only delivers a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy but also cements the team’s legacy in the MCU as one of its most beloved and iconic franchises.
Another thing that sets the Guardians’ movies apart from other superhero films or teams is their heart. The team is made up of unique individuals with their own perspectives and experiences, and it’s this diversity that allows them to bring out the best in one another. This aspect of the film is expertly highlighted by Gunn, who has been doing it since the very beginning of the series.
In Vol. 3, our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s (Bradley Cooper) turbulent past. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana), must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
After watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, I can honestly say that it exceeded all my expectations. As a longtime fan of the franchise since its inception on the big screen, I can declare that this film is a perfect send-off to the team we’ve come to love.
Witnessing the cast’s growth and chemistry flourish across the franchise was truly a highlight of this film. I was already emotionally invested in the characters and their journeys, so it’s no surprise that I found myself shedding tears during some of the most touching moments of this final chapter. The cast’s on-screen chemistry is exceptional, and they seamlessly blend humor and emotion with ease. It’s almost as if they have been working together for years (oh wait, they have), making the movie a joy to watch from start to finish.
One of the standouts of Vol. 3 is the way it peels back the layers of the badass Rocket Raccoon, providing the audience with his heart-wrenching origin story. The decision to position Rocket as the main character of this film was a smart move that paid off in spades. Through flashbacks, we discover that Rocket was created by a power-hungry super-scientist called the High Evolutionary, who put him through unspeakable abuse, which added a new perspective to his character. The emotional experience of seeing Rocket’s story come full circle is a testament to Gunn’s exceptional writing, and this final chapter is a perfect tribute to one of the franchise’s most beloved characters. In addition to Rocket’s stellar storyline, Chukwudi Iwuji brings a menacing presence to the role of the High Evolutionary. With cold and calculated brutality, he delivers an intensity that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The Guardians of the Galaxy films have been known for their visually stunning cinematography, and the third installment is no exception. However, what truly impressed me about this film were the breathtaking action sequences. They were executed with precision and shot beautifully. In particular, the group fight scenes were superb due to the growth of the characters throughout their journey in the films. It makes perfect sense that they would become more in sync with each other on the battlefield, allowing for some badass choreography and camera work that rivals even the fight sequences from Captain America: The Winter Soldier (which boasts some of the MCU’s best fight scenes to date).
Although Pom Klementieff’s Mantis is one of the strongest Guardians, I was pleasantly surprised to see her play a prominent role in the latest installment. Since her introduction in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, we have slowly glimpsed her potential as a character. With the addition of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, which revealed that Mantis and Star-Lord are siblings, her arc in Vol. 3 was a delight to watch. Not only did she have great comedic lines, but she also had genuine heartfelt moments that made her character feel fully fleshed out.
After being teased in the post-credits scene, Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) finally makes his MCU debut. He’s an excellent addition to the cast and story, even though he initially serves as a bit of an antagonist to the Guardians. As the plot unfolds, we see that Warlock is a complex character in need of guidance. Importantly, despite his prominence, he doesn’t steal the show or take the focus off the Guardians, allowing them to take center stage. That being said, I would happily watch an Adam Warlock movie down the line. Poulter did a fantastic job bringing the character to life.
Vol. 3 marks the seventh franchise in the MCU to have three or more movies. From Iron Man to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy undoubtedly stands out as the strongest of them all. In fact, I would also say that Vol. 3 is the most impressive installment of the entire Guardians series.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 surpasses expectations and cements its place as one of the best films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its gripping storyline, flawless cast chemistry, and stunning action and visuals make for an unforgettable movie experience. Undoubtedly, it stands alongside the likes of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Avengers: Endgame as one of the most exceptional films in recent MCU history. Fans of the franchise will not be disappointed, and newcomers will find themselves drawn to this incredible world of intergalactic heroes.
Rating: 9/10
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hits theatres on May 5, 2023.
