Let’s get this out of the way right off the bat — “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is not only the best “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie, but quite possibly the best film released under Marvel Studios. James Gunn and company have turned in a spectacular blockbuster feature that entertains as much as it challenges, is just as likely to make you cry as it is to make you laugh, and remains emotionally satisfying despite some of the smallest, most personal stakes out of any of these adventures. Most of all, it cements the idea that Disney’s one-time firing of James Gunn might just be one of the biggest strategic blunders in entertainment history. After all, when somebody makes you the best film in the history of your studio, you really shouldn’t let them leave.
After the ‘Infinity Saga’ as well as a string of disappointing solo adventures, Marvel Studios has found itself at a turning point, with many fans looking for an exit ramp after over a decade of continuous investment. The stories and characters that ushered us into this world are starting to move on, and for many, the Guardians are the last group that we have strong feelings toward. As such, “Guardians Vol. 3” represents an ending in more ways than one — it’s the end for this version of the Guardians, this version of these characters, and of course for James Gunn’s time at Marvel. While “Avengers: Endgame” wrapped up the large-scale story, this feels like a truly emotional ending to the era.
Since You’ve Been Gone
How exactly did we get here? Nine years ago, the first “Guardians of the Galaxy” film presented what was seen as a huge risk for Marvel Studios, with a talking raccoon, a (sort of) talking tree, and Dave Bautista dressed up like a Smurf. It was helmed by a director who had established his career with “video nasties” like “Tromeo & Juliet,” “Slither,” and “Super.” Clearly, they were onto something, because the first “Guardians” became an instant breakout hit. It was followed three years later with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” While the sequel faced some criticism for pushing the comedy too far, fans were generally happy to spend two more hours with their favorite group of space adventurers. Gunn used the opportunity to deepen the relationships between his characters within Marvel’s favorite found family.
Six years and lots of behind-the-scenes drama later, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is here to take audiences on another wild ride as the Guardians race against time to save their friend, Rocket Raccoon, and learn more about his origins in the process. This brings the team into conflict with the High Evolutionary, a mad space scientist who puts the “dick” in dictator.
Meanwhile, Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) is still reeling from the death of Gamora and dealing with the return of a version of her that never joined the Guardians.
We Care a Lot
In contrast to the high-stakes galaxy-saving missions of the previous “Guardians” films (it’s right there in the name!), this final installment takes a more personal approach. Director James Gunn chooses to focus on the characters and give them each a chance to shine in their own way, especially his admitted favorite, Rocket. Gunn pulls no punches as he delves into Rocket’s harrowing backstory, pushing the emotional boundaries of the Marvel universe to deliver some of its most challenging material. Some viewers may find these moments difficult due to depictions of animal cruelty; however, the visceral impact of these scenes is critical to understanding Rocket’s character and journey throughout the entire series. It’s difficult to watch, but it’s supposed to be… and it never feels like exploitation. The violence stays within the realm of a PG-13 rating, but if you’re someone particularly sensitive when it comes to animals, here’s your warning.
Despite the focus on Rocket, Gunn still manages to give each of the Guardians at least two dedicated moments to shine and they never feel shoehorned into the narrative. The entire cast brings their A-game and has clearly become comfortable and natural playing these characters. Karen Gillan’s Nebula benefits especially from an expanded role, and Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff’s odd-couple chemistry as Drax and Mantis remains unmatched. Even minor characters such as Kraglin and Cosmo the Space Dog get in on the action. The fan-favorite character Adam Warlock makes his big-screen debut here as well. While die-hard comic fans are understandably not thrilled with the character, I thought the depiction was perfect for his use here, with his origins and journey cleverly mirroring that of Rocket’s.
Characters that Shine
These characters truly shine, though, when they are all together. Despite the harrowing backstory scenes and a surprising helping of violence, it’s still an absolute pleasure to see this group working together. The trademark Guardians banter is ever-present and funnier than ever. It’s hard to say whether it’s due to Gunn’s growing sensibilities as a director or if this cast has really gotten on a roll with their improv and delivery. They kick ass together, too, in action scenes that feel carefully crafted to avoid feeling any of that “corporate Marvel action scene” feeling that has permeated their features lately. A one-shot hallway action scene near the end is particularly stunning.
There is so much quality filmmaking at play here that I have completely neglected to mention the soundtrack. It’s amazing the impact that a well-chosen song can have on a scene, and no series delivers on the needle drops quite like the Guardians movies do. Special standouts this time around include “Creep” by Radiohead, “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” by the Bestie Boys, “The Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine, and a special quick moment dedicated to one of my personal favorites, “San Francisco” by The Mowgli’s. These awesome mixes are going to make for a fantastic vinyl box set one day.
The Dog Days Are Over
In the end, what’s most impressive about “Guardians Vol. 3” is how personal and hand-crafted it feels despite being a piece of the largest entertainment franchise in film, owned by the biggest media conglomerate out there. There is real love on display for each and every character that has been part of this series, and Gunn clearly considers the emotional reality they live in at all times, and it elevates every second that they’re on screen.
Thanks to this authenticity, Gunn has the trust of the audience to ask tough questions with equally difficult answers. Can you move on from the trauma that made you who you are? How do you move forward when you’ve lost everybody you care about? How about when the person you care for most becomes a stranger? Every emotional beat gets its own time, and Gunn avoids giving easy answers or pandering to what he knows the audience wants. It’s an affecting and heartwarming conclusion to the most genuine and exciting film trilogies out there, sending Marvel’s band of outcasts and James Gunn himself into an uncertain and exciting future. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is an absolute must-see and a fitting conclusion to the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is currently only available to watch in theaters.
