After watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, you come to realize what a journey it has been for our favorite rag-tag team of misfits. The first time the Guardians assembled was almost a decade ago! The introduction of the Guardians truly expanded the grandeur of the universe. At the time, the premise of Guardians of the Galaxy was a major financial risk for any major film studio to take on. Although the foundation of the MCU was Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, in my opinion, The Guardians of The Galaxy is regarded as the turning point of the MCU of being great to truly EPIC. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is supposedly the final installment of this particular franchise and what a way to end! There were TEARS, laughter, the oohs and aahs, and did I mention tears?
James Gunn mentioned how he always saw Rocket as the silent protagonist of the franchise, and man, was it apparent in this film. The movie dived into Rocket’s mysterious past and without giving too much away, it will tug on your heartstrings and wish you never had human emotions. We learn about Rocket’s old friends: Lylla, Teefs, and Floor and the reflection of the relationship he has with the current Guardians which explores the reason he was so feisty when we first met him. There’s a scene in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 with Yondu dissecting Rocket’s tough exterior and, oh man, if you rewatch that scene after viewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, it hits that much harder. James Gunn and the writers were able to weave Rocket’s character development so well that you never see it coming. Well done!
Although there is no doubt that this is Rocket’s film, we can’t forget the other Guardians, especially seeing how it is a goodbye to some of these characters and actors. Luckily there wasn’t a character that I felt didn’t get the spotlight they deserved. Although Mantis and Nebula joined the gang later, they didn’t get the short end of the stick. Nebula’s transformation from a once loyal daughter of the Mad Titan to the Moral Compass of the team is amazing! Mantis brings it as well where she is no longer a shy and nervous-wreck and becomes someone with utmost confidence in herself and especially those around her. Although there is not much character growth, Drax still remains the gentle giant with the absolute best comedic deliveries.
Lets address the Abilisk in the room, Star-Lord and Gamora’s relationship. I am sure everyone wanted to know what would Peter do when he comes across the Alternate Timeline Gamora. This was probably one of my favorite things in the film. It did not undo anything that happened in Infinity War or Endgame but also provided the much needed closure for both of these characters.
Chukwudi Iwuji’s High Evolutionary is probably one of the most despicable villains that the MCU has ever seen. I mean I can’t even think of a villain as evil and twisted as this character. Even with Thanos, you empathize with his intentions but the High Evolutionary is on a level of his own when it comes to villainy. The character truly made this one of Marvel’s darkest films yet.
The music. This franchise will always have the best choice in music. Enough said.
I really can’t think of anything that this film didn’t do that it could have done better except maybe the introduction of Adam Warlock but again, it is an introduction and I know we will see him again! James Gunn and his team really delivered one of the best films to once again jump-start the love for superhero genre. I really look forward to what he will do with DC Studios but only time will tell. Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is such a satisfying conclusion of the installment while consisting of some of the best storytelling that the MCU has to offer.
