(Credit to Marvel Entertainment)
Written by Hayley Samulski, Staff Writer
SPOILER ALERT: This reveals major spoilers about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” hit theaters last Friday and rocketed to $118 million at the Box Office on Opening Weekend. Vol. 3 brings an end to the “Guardians” trilogy that director James Gunn launched in 2014. With Phase 4 receiving mixed reception from fans and critics and Phase 5’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantimania” falling short, Marvel was in desperate need of a win. James Gunn delivered and more with a story that sends our lovable group of misfits out in style. This film is truly a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
The third and final film of this trilogy sends our band of intergalactic heroes on one more thrilling adventure to save one of their own. Vol 3. builds on the events of the Christmas Special with the team set up at their new headquarters on Knowhere. Still in a bit of disarray after the events of “Endgame,” they are an easy target for Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), who attacks the Guardians leaving Rocket (Bradley Cooper) mortally wounded. Soon after Peter (Chris Pratt) leads the Guardians- Nebula (Karen Gillan) Drax (Dave Bautista), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) on a mission to save Rocket.
Rocket’s Journey
James Gunn doesn’t back away from tackling tough subjects in his films and GotG Vol. 3 is no different. Despite the PG-13 rating GotG Vol. 3 delves deep into the darkness showcasing the absolute depravity of the High Evolutionary. The primary focus is Rocket’s tragic backstory. Growing up in captivity Rocket and his friends, Lylla (Linda Cardellini), Teefs, and Floor are cruelly experimented on and cybernetically enhanced by the OrgoCorp scientists and High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji).
Iwuji delivers a masterful performance as the High Evolutionary. Truly one of the best villains who is hated until the very end. Fans on Twitter hailed him as one of the best villains in the MCU.
Dude seriously dethroned Thanos and Loki as the best Marvel villain. Hands down. Never seent a movie where ME MYSELF wanted to actually SWING on the villain. Like I legit wanted to put paws on him. Masterful acting and I seriously need more. #GuardiansoftheGalaxyVol3 #GotGVol3 pic.twitter.com/6OI92zcezu
— TASK the OG-Won Kenobi #BLM #StopAsianHate (@UpToTASK) May 5, 2023
High Evolutionary >>> Kang #GotGVol3 pic.twitter.com/OJRimeAKod
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) May 5, 2023
One of the strongest relationships in the film is between Lylla and Rocket. As fans are now pointing out Gunn hinted at their relationship back in the first Guardians film listing Lylla as an associate of Rocket. Though in the comics she’s his soulmate. Probably the most touching moment of the film is their tearful reunion when Rocket ends up “on the other side”. Desperate to stay with his friends Rocket is prepared to say goodbye. Thanks to Lylla he manages to come to terms with letting go of his past and trying to move forward.
Action Packed Comedy
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol . 3” delivers lots of funny moments and intense action sequences. With such an intense core story having funny moments to undercut the tension is crucial to the story’s longevity. Mantis and Drax are the ultimate comedic duo constantly riffing with each other any time they’re together.
A personal favorite was the scene with Karja (Nathan Fillion), one of the many elite Orgosentries (security guards) who work on the Orgosphere, and Peter bond over their lovable idiot teammates. “Your friend’s a moron. I got one of those too.” Known for his role as Richard Castle in ABC’s hit tv drama “Castle” and now as John Nolan in The Rookie, Fillion gave us a hint at his cameo when he’s seen wearing a Guardian’s T-Shirt in “The Rookie” season finale. Perhaps one of the most shocking and funniest scenes of the entire movie is Peter dropping the F-bomb as he’s telling Nebula how to open the car door.
The best action sequence of the entire film was the crazy hallway fight scene. Each character gets to show off their fighting skills in an intense slow-mo fight sequence that is incredibly satisfying to watch. Groot taking out the High Evolutionary’s men with Peter’s blasters is an unforgettable moment.
End Of An Era
At its core Vol. 3 is a story about exploring the bonds of friendship and family. The film takes its time building up the individual arcs for each character and showing where their path will take them. Everyone gets time to shine in Vol. 3 and we dive deep into exploring the characters driving motivations. With Vol 3. closing out the Guardians trilogy this is truly an end to the OG Marvel Era.
Fans don’t have to worry about any major deaths (OG Gamora aside) despite the Guardians each having some close calls the film ends with all the members safe and sound. The film ends with the Guardians disbanding to pursue their paths. This is a bittersweet moment for the audience who’ve grown to love these characters.
Peter heads back to Earth to deal with his trauma and reconnects with his grandfather but not before he names Rocket as the new leader of the Guardians. Mantis announces she’s leaving to go on a journey of self-discovery. Drax and Nebula (Karen Gillan) both stay behind to lead Nowhere and take care of all the kids they rescued from Counter-Earth. Gamora goes back to the Ravagers instead of staying with Peter. This decision by Gunn drove home that this is not the same Gamora we knew and that a potential friendship is more important than a relationship.
They’ve gone their separate ways but hopefully, this isn’t the last we see of the Guardians of the Galaxy. The ending leaves the door open for the return of any original Guardians member in the future of the MCU. Except for Zoe Saldana (Gamora) and Dave Bautista (Drax) who both have announced the end of their contracts with Marvel following Vol. 3’s release. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is a perfect end to a great trilogy and leaves hope for fans about the stories to come.
Hayley Samulski, Staff Writer
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