Get ready for an epic ending in part three of the Guardians trilogy! But don’t worry, this franchise isn’t coming to an end just yet. Like all Marvel movies, it leaves the door wide open for a fourth installment. And based on what we see here, that’s definitely a possibility. Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord and his crew are still going strong, but the series itself is starting to show some signs of wear and tear. The once-refreshing mixtape soundtrack now feels like a burden, having strayed from its original concept.
, The movie kicks off with an acoustic version of Radiohead’s “Creep,” which becomes a motif for Rocket Raccoon. Rocket’s backstory takes center stage in Vol.3. He carries traumatic memories of being experimented on as a child, but he refuses to open up about it. The Guardians are now living peacefully on Knowhere, a giant skull floating in space. But their tranquility is shattered when Adam Warlock, a powerful being, shows up out of nowhere and leaves Rocket on the brink of death. Attempts to save Rocket hit a major obstacle: a trip switch in his brain that will kill him if they try to operate. With only 48 hours left, Peter Quill’s team must infiltrate The High Evolutionary’s lair to find a solution. The High Evolutionary, fascinated by Rocket’s intelligence, wants them to come. As the Guardians search for Rocket’s medical records, The High Evolutionary dreams of extracting Rocket’s brain for research purposes. After a rocky start, Vol. 3 finds its stride with the introduction of The High Evolutionary. Played by Chukwudi Iwuji, he’s a campy mix of RoboCop and Skeletor. Unlike typical Marvel villains, he has a unique mission: to perfect the universe, not destroy it.
, For those not familiar with the Marvel Multiverse, director James Gunn doesn’t burden you with excessive backstory. He keeps it light and focuses on the present. The estrangement between Quill and Gamora is cleverly explained in an elevator scene, and references to Thanos are minimal. This allows the talented cast to shine, especially Dave Bautista as the hilarious and slightly unhinged Drax the Destroyer. However, newcomer Will Poulter feels underutilized in certain scenes. And let’s not forget Sylvester Stallone, who makes a surprising return at the end. Vol.3 takes some risks, particularly in its focus on Rocket and its exploration of vivisection. The film doesn’t shy away from the dark realities of experimentation. Rocket’s friends, Lylla, Floor, and Teefs, have been horribly mutilated, which may not sit well with younger viewers. But this origins story also delves into deeper themes of mortality and the ethics of genetic engineering. Unfortunately, the film struggles to find its ending. It draws out the climax and lingers in an existential limbo as characters hesitate to say their goodbyes. Even after the curtain falls, there are two more post-credit scenes that hint at a future for GotG. It’s clear that the franchise is evolving, and while some fans may be resistant to change, this breezy comedy delivers the same level of visual expertise and mastery that we’ve come to expect from the Guardians of the Galaxy saga.
