After a long string of mediocre and disappointing films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe returns with Guardians of the Galaxy: Part 3, the chapter that concludes writer-director James Gunn's colorful and adventurous sci-fi trilogy.
In a genre where directorial status has eroded and lost its importance, Gunn is probably one of the few filmmakers with a distinct style and personal fingerprint, and once again he manages to balance the demands of a huge commercial blockbuster with his eclectic artistic preferences. The fact that Guardians of the Galaxy: Part 3 stands on its own and doesn't have to continue the superstory of previous Marvel films (or refer to it) undoubtedly helps.
Guardians Of The Galaxy: Part 3 - Official Trailer Translated
Whether it's the delightful musical choices that accompany the soundtrack, the tone of the film, which becomes very dark and disturbing at certain stages, or the character of the jokes, which maintain a high level of stupidity and rudeness - there is no doubt that one person signed the final result, not a committee.
It's clear that Gunn loves his characters, and it's clear that the excellent actors who play the characters love Gunn and trust him. There's a reason they stood by him when he was fired by Disney a few years ago, following the revelation of several old humorous tweets written before he was published. Now, just before he finally defects to DC competitors to direct a new Superman movie, Gunn rewards them and the loyal audience with an emotional, invested and slightly too long victory lap, during which he bids farewell to the series that has become, against all odds, one of the MCU's main attractions.
The one at the center of things this time is Rocket the Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), who is mortally injured at the beginning of the film after bumping into a golden barnacle named Adam Warlock (Will Poulter). As his best friends—Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Nebula (Karen Gillan), and Groot (Vin Diesel)—embark on a dangerous intergalactic journey to save his life, viewers are introduced to Rocket's tragic origin story told in flashbacks, and to meet His "Majesty" (Chukwudi Yuji), an obsessive, nasty and hated villain.
Ultimately, the two plot lines merge to create a sweeping and satisfying grand finale, and along the way the script arranges mini-tasks for each of the characters, making sure they all get noticed.
Although it is not as precise a work as the first film, it is a fun, pampering and very effective film, which raises the emotional level of the series to new heights and is definitely a fitting ending to the trilogy. If you liked the previous parts, chances are that you will enjoy it very much as well, and it is quite possible that you will be a little depressed at the end. The Marvel Cinematic Universe would be a slightly less happy place without this delightful group of outsiders (and James Gunn).
Score: 8
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us