Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Marvel Studios already pulled off an unrivalled run of more than twenty films to reach the awesome crescendo of Avengers: Endgame. And although almost everything that has come after has left this reviewer underwhelmed, I never forget that achievement. I loved Spider-man: No Way Home, but the rest of the last phase and all the Disney+ shows just haven’t got me excited for what comes next.

Of all the Infinity Saga films, Guardians was, is and remains my favourite. A classic underdog movie that was a joyous, thrilling affecting surprise. It’s sequel was a lesser movie to me, but still enjoyable and developed those characters further. The two part Avengers finale further changed the characters and complicated their lives. So it was with great interest I lined up on release day to see how James Gunn would complete his trilogy.

"is the best Marvel film since Endgame. It’s absurd, hilarious, troubling and very, very moving"


Guardians 3 sees Starlord (Chris Pratt) in an emotional slump. His beloved Gamora (Zoe Saldana) may be returned from the dead (thanks to some Time Stone paradoxical stuff) but she isn’t the same woman who was murdered in Avengers: Infinity War. In short, she can’t stand him and he’s miserable and drinking himself into a stupor without her. When Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) attacks the Guardians, Rocket is seriously injured. It’s discovered they can’t give him treatment, due to a kill switch that was implanted by his sadistic creator: the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji). This sobers Starlord up toot sweet and the Guardians begin a race to find a way to save their fallen brother. In the course of this task, the bickering Guardian family learn valuable insights about each other, themselves and ultimately who they want to be.Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

This is the best Marvel film since Endgame. It’s absurd, hilarious, troubling and very, very moving. Because we know and love these characters, their familiarity gives you an instantaneous relatability as they struggle and suffer. And let me tell you they do suffer. Gunn puts them all through the ringer, especially poor Rocket. We finally see how he became what he is and it isn’t easy to stomach. There are some very dark subject matters throughout that aid in supplying the film a real sense of jeopardy and a thrilling will they?/won’t they make it tension right up to the end.

The film looks spectacular, the cast thrill and move you with their performances, the 90s music, the effects, the sheer overload of imagery—all of it is a perfect combination. Gunn created a family in these movies and it’s a family’s end you will see. It’s bittersweet, but you know you’re all in when, come the credits, your heart is full and your smile is wistful but most certainly there. If this is the last Guardians film they’ve ended on one big fat successful high. I loved this.

5/5 stars

Film Details

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

MPAA Rating: PG-13.
Runtime:
150 mins
Director
: James Gunn
Writer:
James Gunn
Cast:
Chris Pratt; Zoe Saldana; Dave Bautista
Genre
: Comedy | Adventure
Tagline:
Once More. With Feeling.
Memorable Movie Quote: "We'll all fly away together... one last time... into the forever and beautiful sky."
Theatrical Distributor:
Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures
Official Site: https://www.marvel.com/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-volume-3
Release Date:
May 5, 2023
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:

Synopsis: Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.

Art

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3