Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Review: The MCU’s Guardians “face the music” one last time “with feeling” as James Gunn returns to guide the unlikeliest group of heroes around the galaxy for the final chapter of the trilogy. Led by Chris Pratt as Peter Quill or star Lord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Dave Bautista as Drax, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, with Bradley Cooper voicing Rocket and Vin Diesel voicing Groot, the movie also provides us a better look at Will Poulter as Adam Warlock and Chukwudi Iwuji as High Evolutionary among other characters.
In addition to directing the film, Gunn also writes it, with Kevin Feige as its producer, Henry Braham as the cinematographer and Fred Raskin and Greg D’Auria as the editors. John Murphy brings the epic music alive in the movie that has a runtime of 150 minutes.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Review Does Not Contain Spoilers
As the third and final instalment of the GOTG franchise, this film takes the next step in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Five, following the premiere of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. So what’s happening with the ultimate squad of the galaxy’s misfits this time? Quill is downing one too many drinks and wallowing in the pain of Gamora having lost all memories of their epic love story. However, the central focus of it all is saving Rocket from High Evolutionary – the same individual who experimented on the racoon and many other animals and creatures on his quest to make the perfect utopia.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Review: Discussion
If there’s something that Gunn knows best then that is how to balance his story’s emotional weight and let his characters pull each other instead of letting them become dead weight in a universe that has been stagnant since the full-fledged introduction of the multiverse concept. Thankfully, this one doesn’t stick its claws in that arena and lets its characters and their found family union be its lifeline.
We’ve come a long way from Kathryn Newton’s Cassie screaming our ears off with her usual cry of “Daddy” in Quantumania, only to throw the family trope in our faces to actually witnessing a real one being formed throughout the Guardians franchise. Even thinking about how this is the last one in its line is a bittersweet thought, and it becomes all the more emotional to send off these characters when you see them getting to the point where they’ve got nicknames for each other. Seeing Rocket call Nebula ‘Nebs’ while she refers to him as ‘Rocky’ wasn’t on my wishlist, but boy, did I love watching this unfold.
There are a lot of things on the platter, especially since the blip wiping out half the universe. Good for the galaxy that the Guardians attract cacophony from all sides to make it into a song (much like how their team fit into its place originally), and they’re now doing the same at a new-found abode, Knowhere, where we last saw them in the Holiday special presentation. Gunn knows what he’s doing when he balances heartfelt comedy to leave the audience chuckling after a time well spent, while also hinting at the new, yet-to-be-known chapters of these characters ahead.
The third instalment backtracks a little by hitting at the MCU’s emotional centre of the old days. Surprisingly enough, the same unlikely crew that was initially at the margins of this universe, with Avengers taking the lead otherwise, has now become its heart.
In previous outings, each character fought the other to assume leadership, but this time, they let things fall into place organically. Rocket’s backstory is heartbreaking, and his final acceptance of his identity tugs at your heart. GOTG 3 allows each member of the squad to breathe without making it all about Star-Lord, which again proves to be one of Gunn’s powers. He knows how to play to the strengths of an ensemble cast, which best comes across in their fight sequences against a common enemy. As always, the soundtrack assumes the stance of a character of its one, and it’s warming to see how the gift of music has helped the Guardians bond across the galaxy.
Chukwudi Iwuji’s High Evolutionary reminds us he’s no Thanos, but he still makes for one of the better villains in a long time with his flawed drive to perfect a far-fetched utopia. All thanks to his arc, we’re again reminded of just how important the misfit crew of aliens is – not just to themselves and the other intergalactic creatures they’re saving, but also for us as the audience to find a firm ground to fall back on after the release of what seems like an unceasing stream of failures in the MCU.
Also read: Did You Know Guardians of the Galaxy’s Groot Helped Vin Diesel Heal After Paul Walker’s Death?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3: Final Thoughts
The Guardians breathe back some much-needed life into the MCU after a long time. They’re the only family in this fictional universe that deserves to be called one. With their incessant fiery banters and drive to save a fellow family member, they not only save the day, but also revive the hope of the MCU coming out of a slump, yet not without questioning if the whole multiverse rigmarole was created as a self-destruct button for itself. While it may not be everything, it definitely is something, and if that something is a baby step towards a better ground, then I’m all for it.
Ps. Karen Gillan’s Nebula is one of the most underrated gems in the MCU. Though we’ve always known Rocket and Groot to be a sub-unit within the extended found family, she and Rocket make for a kickass, less-appreciated duo that I can’t stop myself from asking more of them together.
Having released on May 5, 2023, Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is now playing at a theatre near you.
Also read: Star Wars Young Jedi Adventures Review: It’s Delightful to See the Younglings Happy and Flourishing!