James Gunn’s 2014 film, “Guardians of the Galaxy“, was a game-changer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now, almost a decade later, the story comes to a close with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3“. This new movie is a beautiful tribute to the creatives who have been with the team from the start and a reminder of why fans love the Guardians.
In “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”, directed and written by James Gunn, the team faces new challenges while trying to save a loved one and protect the universe. They go up against formidable foes like The High Evolutionary and Adam Warlock. Meanwhile, Peter Quill (played by Chris Pratt) finally confronts the grief he’s been carrying since Gamora’s return (played by Zoe Saldaña).
James Gunn is always pushing boundaries, and in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”, he takes the violence up a notch (by MCU standards, at least). The Guardians are not afraid to get their hands dirty, and when Peter and Rocket lose their cool, it’s both shocking and satisfying. This shows that the Guardians are imperfect, morally gray beings who will do anything for their loved ones.
A family of misfits
The Guardians have always been a family of misfits, and in this movie, they show their love for each other despite their quirks. Mantis, played by Pom Klementieff, is a standout character who is emotionally driven and always delightful. The villain, The High Evolutionary, is trying to perfect life through horrific experiments, making him one of the MCU’s most memorable and twisted villains.
Gunn is not afraid to tackle weighty topics, and in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”, he shows the horrors of eugenics in multiple ways. The script explores how flawed this idea is, and Chukwudi Iwuji delivers an unrestrained and intimidating performance that captures the frightening and delusional nature of a character looking to eradicate any life they deem “imperfect.”
Action-packed and Emotional
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a movie that showcases the love and Friendship of the team, especially when compared against The High Evolutionary’s dangerous beliefs. The actors’ love for their characters is evident throughout the film, and Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista, and Bradley Cooper give standout performances as their characters’ emotional depths are explored.
The movie delivers plenty of action, with each Guardian getting their moment to shine in both emotional and physical battles. Mantis uses her unique powers in creative ways, Drax shows off his fighting skills, and Groot’s abilities are taken to new heights. Fans will love seeing their favorite characters in action.
The movie delivers an epic action scene where the whole team fights together in one long take, showcasing their unique fighting styles and abilities. Unlike other modern action movies that rely on quick cuts, the film lets audiences fully appreciate the choreography. However, some viewers find the use of flashbacks to be disruptive to the film’s pacing. While the flashbacks serve an emotional purpose, their scattered placement throughout the movie can make it hard to get into the rhythm of the story.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a movie that truly celebrates the beauty of imperfection, which is evident in the way each character’s arc is set up and resolved by the end. The final moments of the film are guaranteed to leave audiences with a big smile on their face.
Gunn’s unique storytelling and vision are on full display in this heartfelt film, making him a director worth keeping an eye on. The movie’s titular found family is so welcoming that anyone can feel like a part of it. All in all, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a fun-filled adventure that leaves fans eagerly anticipating what’s next.
Don’t miss it when it hits theaters on May 5!