Having been fired from the project in 2018 and then re hired a year later, James Gunn finally brings his long delayed conclusion to the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy to the big screen.
Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and the team return to reprise their roles, while Chukwudi Iwuji and Will Poulter join the cast for this third outing.
As always, the strength of these films lies with the team of loveable but flawed misfits, who are just incredible fun to hang out with. Volume 3 is no exception, however this time Gunn ramps up the threat level, and takes the film to some pretty dark places.
With Star-Lord still reeling from the death (and subsequent re-emergence) of his girlfriend Gamora, the team are blindsided by Poulters Adam Warlock, a genetically engineered warrior, hell bent on their destruction. The attack leaves Rocket (once again brilliantly voiced by Bradley Cooper) badly injured and fighting for his life.
As the remaining Guardians search for a way to save their friend, their quest brings them face to face with Rocket’s evil creator The High Evolutionary (Iwuji). Gunn’s clever script is part sequel and part prequel, exploring Rocket’s origins via flashback and giving the raccoon a thoroughly heart wrenching backstory. Blending laughs with cosmic action and serious menace, Gunn’s trilogy closer is a rollercoaster of emotions. Despite the increased peril, the quick fire wit, which made the previous two films so enjoyable is still very evident, and the humour seems to flow so naturally (something that can’t be said of Marvels recent Thor and Ant-man films).
Again Gunn soundtracks things with an awesome mix of classic tracks, this time delving into the 90’s for belters from bands like the Beastie Boys and Spacehog. Pratt slips effortlessly back into the role of Star-Lord, with his trademark swagger tempered by an underlying sadness, as his attempts to connect with the new Gamora go unrequited. Zoe Saldana is as solid as ever in that role.
Iwuji delivers the film’s standout performance as the High Evolutionary. A genuinely terrifying and despicable villain, hellbent on creating and destroying civilisations on a whim. Seeing the callous experiments his team perform on innocent creatures is one of the MCU’s most distressing plot threads yet.
The much loved Drax and Groot are back alongside empath Mantis and Karen Gillen’s Nebula, who has arguably one of the best story arcs of the MCU so far. The Scottish actress subtly revealing further layers to her character. Volume 3 is Rocket’s story however, and his relationship with his fellow lab animals in the tragic flashback scenes, give weight to what comes later.
It’s very clear to see why DC studios were happy to hand Gunn the keys to their kingdom, as Guardians 3 packs a real emotional punch alongside its blockbuster spectacle. something Warner Bros. will hope he can bring to their superhero franchise too.
If this is to be the swan song for the Guardian’s, then it’s a fitting one. Volume 3 is a chaotic sprawling space epic which pulls firmly on the heartstrings, whilst still delivering the interstellar action fans have come to expect.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Paul Steward
@grittster
4/05/23