Best MCU Movie Since Endgame?: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Review
The third and final film in James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy has been released and fans of the space-faring band of misfits are more than excited to see how their stories come to an end. Marvel has faced many bumps in the road when it comes to the movies they’ve released in their “Phase Four” lineup. Many are resting their hopes that this movie will put them back on track and remind people just how good the MCU can be and I think the movie accomplishes this. In my spoiler-free review, I’ll tell you about the movie and how it might be the best Marvel movie since Avengers: Endgame.
At the center of the movie are Rocket Raccoon and his origins as a test subject created by the High Evolutionary. James Gunn has previously stated that Rocket was the secret protagonist of the Guardians movies and that begins to be clear in this movie as the main quest in the movie has to do directly with Rocket’s relationship with the High Evolutionary. Rocket’s backstory is also one of, if not the, most emotional backstories in the entire MCU. His relationship with the other test subjects in his group will definitely bring a tear to your eye. Who knew an animated otter with cybernetic prosthetic limbs could have me bawling in a movie theater?
Speaking of the High Evolutionary, director James Gunn and actor Chukwudi Iwuji have created one of the most frightening and hateable (in a good way) characters in Marvel’s catalog of villains. The High Evolutionary goal is to create and evolve life so that he can create the perfect civilization. He’s playing god but the main issue is that he has no care for the creations that he churns out. Chukwudi gives an amazing and charismatic performance and really puts the “mad” in mad scientist with his portrayal of the character. The High Evolutionary will definitely be remembered as one of the all-time great MCU villains.
While the movie is much darker and more serious than the previous two films, James Gunn still sneaks in plenty of the comedic moments and dry humor that he has become so well known for. You might have the fear that these comedic moments might clash with the serious tone of the movie but to me it never did. Every moment felt in character and unforced. Honestly, if this movie didn’t have those comedic moments, I would have said that the movie didn’t feel like a Guardians of the Galaxy movie at all. The comedy is so integral to these characters and to these movies that I feel like you really can’t make one without it. There are some especially funny moments with Drax and Mantis of course, but also of newcomer Adam Warlock.
Speaking of the other Guardians, all of them are given ample time and opportunities to shine throughout the movie. Every single actor is giving a stellar performance and their chemistry on screen throughout is excellent. The family dynamics of the group are stressed to their limit and you can really feel the tension between all of the characters as it really feels like this is the most serious thing that they’ve had to deal with as a group. But no matter who your favorite Guardian is, I’m sure you’ll be happy with the movie and how their story ends.
With all of that being said, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a must-watch for any Marvel fan. Whether you enjoyed the Phase Four movies or have fallen out of love with the MCU because of them, this movie is one that you cannot miss.
