Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – Film Review

Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill must rally his team to defend the universe and protect one of their own. If the mission is not completely successful, it could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a fantastic and satisfying conclusion to the epic space opera trilogy that started in 2014 and continued in 2017 with the same quirky, colorful, and irreverent style that made the first two films so beloved. Written and directed by James Gunn, who returned after a brief departure due to controversial tweets, the movie not only honors the legacy of the previous entries but also deepens the character arcs, expands the world-building, and delivers some of the most emotional and hilarious moments of the franchise.

The story picks up a few years after the events of Vol. 2 and sees the Guardians facing new challenges and old enemies. It has easily the most simplistic and focused plot in the entire trilogy as nearly the entire movie is spent on trying to save a dying Rocket Raccoon while other members of the team try to track down a despicable new villain called the High Evolutionary, who just may be the most sickening superhero movie villain of all-time.

Gunn’s script allows for so many moments for these characters to shine and for us to hate the villain. If you’re a fan of the Guardians team, then this movie is almost guaranteed to leave you an emotional, sobbing wreck by the time the end credits appear. It’s truly magical what he was able to do here.

So much of this film reminded me of the old Phase One and Two MCU stuff we used to adore so much. This doesn’t even feel remotely like a modern-day MCU project and that’s a seriously good thing seeing as how this universe is slowly dying out. Thankfully though, Gunn knows exactly how to craft one hell of a moving, emotional, and downright hilarious project each and every time. Trust me when I say that DC movies are in outrageously good hands with him at the helm.

Chris Pratt reprises his role as Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, with the same mix of humor, heroism, and vulnerability that made him a fan favorite. Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel also return as Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot, respectively, and continue to shine in their own unique ways.

They also give Karen Gillan‘s Nebula a lot of stuff to do this time around other than be grumpy which made me happy to see. We finally get to see her open up a bit more which was a pleasant surprise. Pom Klementieff also delivers her best performance as Mantis here, usually delivering the movie’s funniest lines as well.

One of the strongest aspects of Vol. 3 is its emotional resonance. While the previous movies had their share of touching moments, this one takes it to another level by exploring the themes of family, legacy, forgiveness, and sacrifice in a more profound and mature way. Without spoiling too much, the movie tackles some heavy topics such as grief, trauma, and mortality, and manages to balance them with the lighter elements without feeling tonally inconsistent. The ending is particularly poignant and satisfying, as it brings closure to many character arcs and pays off the long-term storytelling that Gunn has been building since the first movie.

The action and visuals of Vol. 3 are also top-notch. The movie features several spectacular set-pieces that showcase the creativity and diversity of the Guardians’ universe, from space battles to heists to mystical realms. The special effects are stunning and imaginative, with a wide range of alien designs, landscapes, and technologies that feel both futuristic and retro. The soundtrack, as expected, is also a highlight, with a mix of classic and contemporary songs that fit the scenes and moods perfectly.

Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a triumph of superhero filmmaking that transcends the genre and stands on its own as a great piece of storytelling.