Marvel Studio’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Review: James Gunn’s Glorious Send-off Got Us In The Feels

Marvel Studio’s Guardians of the Galaxy returns in its third and final movie in the MCU franchise, following the success of the first two movies. James Gunn sat on the director’s chair for one last rodeo before shifting focus fully on developing DCEU movies moving forward.

Picking up from the events post-Endgame, directly after the Holiday Special, the latest instalment explores the origins of the team’s furry member, Rocket. As we know, Rocket was experimented on in the past but never revealed the details of his experiences. In this movie, fans will know the real story behind Rocket’s quirkiness and weapon-making skills.

Many fans expected Gunn to delve deep into Rocket’s story. Will he be sacrificed for our tears? Will he turn into the dark side and be given a redemption arc, full-on Kylo Ren-style? We refuse to spoil the story for you, but it’s safe to say it made us weep like children (the last time I cried was THAT scene from The Last of Us series).

The biggest draw of the film is James Gunn James Gunn-ing his way out of the MCU in style. Of course, the movie is equipped with classic James Gunn-ish fighting choreography, cinematography, slapstick jokes and his signature style, including head-boppy rock n roll music.

The first Guardians saw us relive the glory 80s, but since Peter Quill acquired a Zune player, the film is serenaded with music across eras, including a gut-wrenching acoustic version of a song we all love at the opening credits.

Rocket and music aside, the third instalment gives Gamora and Peter another shot for romance. The duo were in love since the end of the first movie up until Endgame, which saw Gamora sacrificed by her adopted father, Thanos in exchange for an infinity stone. The version you’ll see in the movie is a younger Gamora, one who’s never met Peter Quill. The conclusion of the affair is a fair one, although we feel it might not entertain everyone with it.

Comic fans might want to watch out for Adam Warlock, an integral member of the Guardians in the comics. During the Infinity Gauntlet saga, Adam was instrumental in the war against Thanos, so you can imagine fans’ reactions when they saw Adam’s cocoon in the Collector’s lair in the first movie. Now out of the cocoon, Adam Warlock wreaks havoc in space but unfortunately, he’s still in his infancy stage. Still, it’s refreshing to see a much-awaited character finally appear in the MCU!

The only negative point we get from the movie is the big baddie: High Evolutionary. Fresh from the gruesomeness of Kang, High Evolutionary felt like an inferior version of the latter. However, Chukwudi Iwuji’s performance as the villain is still commendable; but it’s just not Kang-level scary, Loki-level charming or Namor-level badass.

Overall, Marvel Studio’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is an emotional and action-packed conclusion to the trilogy. This movie will have two post-credit scenes so stick around until the end to get the full experience!

The film will be available in cinemas nationwide from May 4 onwards.