Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Review: A Heartbreaking and an Epic Conclusion!

In the world of Marvel comics there have always been certain heroes that shine brighter than others that have held a place in popular culture since their creation. Some of these include Captain America, the X-Men, Hulk, and Spider-Man. As a result, there are always outcasts that may not be as beloved as others. In 2014 James Gunn decided to tell the story of a family of outcasts hoping to bring a new audience into the world of The Guardians of the Galaxy.

What happened as a result was something nobody would have ever expected, that the Guardians of the Galaxy would become one of the, if not the most, loved characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nine years after the original, with the Guardians making appearances in a number of MCU movies over the years, audiences have followed and grew attached to this band of outcasts all leading up to their insane conclusion filled with heart, tears, and found family that will forever be the best Marvel movie of all time.

After two films following the Guardians of the Galaxy with a fun-loving and comedic tone, the final chapter of the trilogy is a lot darker. However, this benefits Vol. 3 in which the character’s family dynamic is strengthened prior so that the final events that happen to the group pulls on our heartstrings that much more, causing a slew of emotions to come out of the final film.

When villain Adam Warlock, created by high priestess Ayesha, invades the Guardians land of Knowhere, Rocket is on the verge of death, holding on by a thread. In an attempt to revive him the Guardians notice a kill switch on his heart, causing them to journey to the company Orgocorp’s headquarters to override the switch and save their friend. What they never would have imagined is Rocket’s past life that resulted in the kill switch and the trauma he endured that he repressed his whole life. The story told in this conclusion to the trilogy is the most gut-wrenching yet, resulting in the darkest but most satisfying Marvel film to date.

The film’s focus on Rocket is immensely powerful and unsettling as his past is revealed throughout the film Rocket’s story is structured in a way that is told through flashbacks during the entire course of the film, strengthening the storytelling and providing the trilogy with the true perspective of its story. James Gunn wrote the trilogy in a way that follows Rocket’s refusal to let his friends in on his past life or share deep feelings throughout. This gives Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 the ability to play on Rocket’s emotional inability to open up to his friends where the story unfolding in this chapter is deserved.

Gunn takes on thematic elements that may be difficult for some to watch but truly holds a purpose in the story and in our own world. Animal abuse is a prevalent theme in Guardians Vol. 3 to explain Rocket’s traumatic past. It is never gratuitous but James Gunn drives the point home with sequences that are hard to sit through but are necessary in order to provide context as to why it has been so difficult for Rocket to discuss his life. Although all of the animals in the film are CGI, this does not take away from the pain the audience feels watching Rocket and his old friends we meet along the way.

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the best possible conclusion to a story about unlikely heroes that we have all grown to love and care for over the course of almost ten years. It will without a doubt have the best ending to any film this year in 2023 and there will not be a dry eye in the theater once the credits roll. This is a must see for fans of the franchise or anyone who wants to see just how much talent James Gunn has to give time and time again.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Rating – 4.5/5

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