Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Review

THAT’S MORE LIKE IT MARVEL!

Not only did you rehire James Gunn, but you once again allowed him, as writer and director, to display a clear voice and his own style. You gave him time to complete his other work so he could tell a self-contained tale, unburdened by the rest of the MCU.

So it’s not a surprise that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 is both a welcome stronger Marvel entry, and one of its most emotional.

But firstly, I need to tell you something important. If your kids are into the MCU and this might be a family outing for you…be careful. This film is BRUTAL. There are multiple scenes which adults will find hard to stomach, let alone kids. Lots of swearing too, including the MCU’s first F-bomb. This is not a film to just wander into unprepared.

Now it can be argued that one of the biggest story points this film hinges around is in a non-Guardians film. Gamora’s death in Infinity War is…I wouldn’t say undone by Endgame and the appearance of ‘past’ Gamora, but it might be confusing if GOTG was watched purely as a trilogy. Vol 3 does make an effort to explain at least. Make sure you watch the Xmas special though.

Every character shows growth. They’re all changed by what they’ve experienced together, and each decision they make jives with what we’ve seen before. Gunn continues to cares about these misfits, he really is the only man for the job. Rocket is the focus this time, with Gunn himself saying that he his way into figuring out the Guardians.

The aforementioned brutality is eye-watering but warranted in a story-telling sense. Time will tell if it dampens my enthusiasm for multiple viewings. Poulter makes for an amusing if possibly underpowered Adam Warlock, who flits in and out. All the Guardians bring their usual quality, which feels boring to type but is true!

I love that this film has a true villain. There is absolutely nothing sympathetic about the High Evolutionary. He’s a bastard. I spent the entire 150 odd minutes in the cinema hating him. Even now I think “prick” when he crosses my mind. I would have liked/hated to see more of him and what he’s been up to, especially when dreadful things he does don’t really get time to register. But Chukwudi Iwuji does a great job as an extremely clever individual who can’t deal with that fact that someone, or something, may be smarter than he is.

Seeing large sets, which have been enlarged and added to with CGI is very pleasing. V3 is the antithesis of Quantumania, containing plenty of heart and clarity of intent. This is a Guardians story, and it’s a fine way to round out a trilogy with his lovable set of losers. The MCU’s loss is the DCU’s gain.