*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
Still reeling from the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana), as a result of the events in Endgame, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), also known as Star Lord, rallies his team, including Rocket the Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Drax (Dave Baustista), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) and Gamora’s sister, Nebula (Karen Gillian), to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.
Prior to the release of the first Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, nobody was expecting it to be as successful as it was as it was based on one of the least popular comic books published by Marvel. It was also filled with a new set of characters played a mostly unknown cast. Pratt was best known for his role as Andy in the sitcom, Parks and Recreation, however, his role as Peter has led to him becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Zoe Saldana had appeared in the first Avatar film in 2009 and as Nyota Uhura in J. J. Abrams’ reboot of Star Trek. Dave Baustista was a professional wrestler prior to taking on the role of Drax. The only two familiar names were Vin Diesel, whose most memorable role is as Dominic Toretto in the action packed Fast & Furious franchise, and Bradley Cooper, who was known for his roles in comedies such as The Hangover, Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. Because Saldaña and Baustista were unrecognisable underneath layers of impressive make-up and Diesel and Cooper were only using their voices for their roles, it was easy to accept them as the so-called Guardians of the Galaxy. The casting is one of the main reasons why the film works with each of the actors sharing chemistry. The film also boasted visually stunning special effects, leading to an Oscar nomination at the 87th Academy Awards. While most of the films set within the MCU had moments of comic relief, they weren’t comedies which is why Guardians of the Galaxy was a pleasant surprise with its tongue in cheek and witty sense of humour. At the box office, it made over $772 million and was the third highest grossing film of 2014, behind Transformers: Age of Extinction and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Following the success of the first film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was released three years later and was a sequel that was just as entertaining as its predecessor. Because of the high quality of the previous two films, expectations were high for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and, fortunately, it didn’t disappoint. I can’t imagine fans of the Guardians being disappointment with what returning writer and director, James Gunn, has created with his conclusion to the trilogy as it features more of the same, including spectacular action sequences, a compelling story and a catchy soundtrack.
What’s most surprising about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is that it has a more serious tone than its predecessors and any of the films set in the MCU. This is because, as well as focusing on the main narrative of the Guardians going on an adventure across the Galaxy to save their friend, it also details the tragic back story of Rocket the Raccoon. Throughout the previous two films, there have been hints at what the foul mouthed, mean spirited raccoon have been through, with scars seen on his back, however, the third Guardians film finally details the torture Rocket suffered and, as a result, is difficult to watch at times, however, they show another side to him that perfectly explains how a little baby raccoon was taken and became the mischievous mercenary known as Rocket.
Although some of the most recent films in the MCU have been directed by talented filmmakers such as Chloé Zhao, who won an Oscar for directing Nomadland in 2021 and directed Eternals and Sam Raimi, who is best known for making the horror film, The Evil Dead, his Spider-Man trilogy in the early 2000s and returned to the Marvel world last year to direct Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, many have criticised the producing team at Marvel for rejecting the filmmakers’ creative ideas and unique visions. Although I was one of the few people who didn’t hate Eternals, it’s not hard to be disappointed as, especially with Zhao directing, it could have been a lot better and stood out as one of the best films as the MCU. That’s why Guardians of the Galaxy is described as one of the most interesting additions to the MCU as it features Gunn’s trademark sense of humour and doesn’t feel like your typical superhero film and has something to offer beyond the overly told “good guy Vs bad guy” narrative. However, because of some controversial tweets made by Gunn prior to making the first Guardians film, he was fired by Marvel but was soon brought back after the cast signing a letter in support of the director who clearly felt deep regret at his actions. This was the right choice as I don’t think any other filmmaker would have been able to replicate the quality of the first two Guardians films. It’s proof why Marvel should be allowing creative freedom to more of their filmmakers.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, I can imagine it’ll only appeal to fans of the MCU as the story does hint at previous films. Those who haven’t seen Endgame may be wondering why Gamora isn’t with Peter anymore, however, an amusing scene in a lift sees the latter explaining the situation to a hostage.
Featuring more of the beloved characters in action, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a heartfelt conclusion that should satisfy fans.
8/10
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