As a Marvel enthusiast since the first Avengers movie, I’ve made it a point to watch every Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) release in theaters. I’ve even caught up on the ones I missed through various means. So, I feel like I’m qualified to share my thoughts on “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
A Marvel Fan’s Perspective on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
For me, this film is the best Marvel has offered since “Avengers: Endgame.” While the MCU is known for watering down its villains, like Ultron, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” does a decent job with the High Evolutionary. His obsession and madness are pretty close to the comic version.
However, the idea that Rocket’s intelligence surpasses the High Evolutionary is a stretch. In the movie, the High Evolutionary is fixated on Rocket because he’s the only one of his creations with creative thinking. He emphasizes that while the perfected beings lack creativity. The High Evolutionary’s intellect is top-tier in Marvel, and as a mad scientist, he ultimately abandons his creations due to his obsession with Rocket. This is a better portrayal than what they did with Kang in “Ant-Man,” where they nerfed both his power and intelligence.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” successfully maintains the series’ signature humor. As a conclusion to the trilogy, it’s a solid entry, far surpassing the likes of “Thor: Love and Thunder.”
The Good and the Bad
While Marvel’s Phase Four had its share of misses, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is a hit. Groot’s “I love you guys” at the end elevates the film, making it one of the best in the MCU, possibly even in Marvel’s entire film history.
Rocket’s demand to save the animals makes sense, considering he’s an animal himself. The film spends time developing his relationships with his animal companions, making it easy to empathize with his cause.
The film shines in depicting Rocket Raccoon’s early days, showcasing the genuine friendship between him and his fellow modified animals. The emotional climax when Rocket witnesses his friend’s death, dreaming of the blue sky, is heart-wrenching.
A Minor Flaw
My main critique is that Rocket’s past, which should be the core conflict, isn’t the driving force for much of the film. The Guardians fight the High Evolutionary to save Rocket, but saving the other animals only becomes a priority later. This disconnect between the characters’ actions and the story’s core left me wanting more.
Despite this, the characters remain true to themselves, and the story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. The ending is satisfying for each character. While an 8.6 rating might be a bit high, it’s definitely above a 7.5.
The Essence of Guardians of the Galaxy
What makes “Guardians of the Galaxy” special? It’s the family-like bond between teammates and the quirky humor that runs throughout the series. These elements are present in all three films, making them enjoyable for both longtime fans and newcomers.
The music, while not universally relatable, is a signature element of the series. Star-Lord’s Walkman is a cherished memento from his mother, and it’s later gifted to Rocket. The “Guardians of the Galaxy” films deserve high marks, with each installment earning at least an 8 out of 10. The seemingly random moments are often filled with heartwarming details and Easter eggs for dedicated fans.
Groot’s final line, “I love you guys,” is significant because his species only speaks that phrase to those they genuinely care about. It’s a way of acknowledging the audience who have followed the series for three films, making them feel like part of the Guardians family.
While “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” may not be perfect, it’s far from disappointing.
A Personal Connection
The “Guardians of the Galaxy” series holds a special place in my heart, ranking second among my favorite superhero film series (with “Man of Steel” taking the top spot). I remember watching the first film with my high school class in 2016, and we were all laughing at the jokes. The combination of the film’s aesthetic and the 80s music gave it a golden age of American comics vibe.
In 2017, I skipped school to watch “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” Yondu’s death deeply affected me, and I left the theater in tears. It made me realize that those who love you will go to great lengths for you. This became even more apparent when I struggled with depression after failing my college entrance exams. My father supported me and helped me regain my confidence.
Saying Goodbye
I watched “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” alone, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was enough for me as a long-time fan. The characters were still cracking jokes, and the nostalgic music made me want to sing along. But as the film ended, I realized that after seven years, the Guardians had accompanied me through high school and college. Now, it was time to say goodbye.
Yes, it’s time to say goodbye.
Goodbye, space jerks. Goodbye, Guardians of the Galaxy.