Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Written by Cameron Geiser
Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is a refreshing change of pace for Marvel Studios output as of late. James Gunn has achieved something that few filmmakers involved in the massive studio’s machinations can lay claim to, a trilogy of films that have an undeniable sense of style, personality, and punk rock rebellion. Volume 3 in particular does something truly enchanting- it has an earned and satisfying sense of finality. Writer-director James Gunn hasn’t exactly hidden his adoration for the character of Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) in the past so it’s no surprise that this final film in his nearly decade old trilogy of misfits in space focuses so deeply on the furry little fella. The rest of the Guardians all get their time to shine in this trilogy capper, but the film mostly revolves around Rocket Raccoon and his story. If you know anything of the character’s comics history, it’s a bleak one folks. Animal lovers will indeed need to measure how much CGI animal abuse they can stomach before giving this one a go. Which wasn't a major detractor for me to recommend the film, but a trigger warning feels appropriate for how upsetting some of the story can be at times.
Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is structured into two main storylines: Rocket’s origins shown in flashbacks while he’s comatose in the ship’s med bay (Injuries courtesy of Adam Warlock, who was teased at the end of the last film, played by Will Poulter), and in the present as the Guardians’ rush to save his life. Beginning in ‘Knowhere’, the dead Celestial skull that the Guardians’ bought and renovated in last year’s Holiday Special, the Gang has been adapting to all of the changes since their last proper sequel. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), better known as Star Lord, is having issues getting over the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and turning into a bit of a drunk in the process. As for Gamora herself, she may be alive, but she’s a younger and more aggressive version of herself leftover from the time travel shenanigans in Avengers Endgame. She's even found comfort with the space pirates, the ravagers, from the last two films. This at least allows Zoe Saldana the chance to reinvent her character and become a new dynamic when interacting with the rest of the team. Drax (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) continue their excellent banter and comedic timing- they also get good character development in the second half of the film too. Which extends to all of the main characters, and even lesser recurring characters like Kraglin (Sean Gunn) and Cosmo the dog (Maria Bakalova), everyone is treated with care.
While not always focused, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is still a massive conclusion to the Marvel trilogy.
James Gunn’s trilogy has maintained an impactful underlying theme across all three films; heroes reckoning with the trauma inflicted by fathers, and father figures alike, by leaning on their found family’s support. As Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 3 shifts focus to Rocket’s story, Gunn positions the feisty little dude as the core of the group, so it only makes sense that we see just how messed up his paternal trauma is. Speaking of The High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), he's a classic Marvel Comics mad-science style villain, but he pales in comparison to the better
crafted villains of the MCU. Eventually he just turns into another screaming lunatic at the end, but he was serviceable in the role. He’s certainly one of the most despicable villains of the MCU, he’s just not all that interesting. Especially after Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’s introduction of Kang The Conqueror.
Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 may be a little unfocused at times, and perhaps it's a bit dizzying due to the insane amount of character backstories and thirty plus films to vaguely consider. However, James Gunn and company know this and poke fun at the absurdity of it all while focusing more deeply on the emotional core work of these characters and their stories. If you've enjoyed the other volumes, you'll probably like this one too. Though, personally I preferred the music in the first two films more.
Cameron Geiser is an avid consumer of films and books about filmmakers. He'll watch any film at least once, and can usually be spotted at the annual Traverse City Film Festival in Northern Michigan. He also writes about film over at www.spacecortezwrites.com.